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351 


THE TEST 


t 


THE TEST 

A Play in Three Acts 
PETER HAGBOLDT y 



THE CORNHILL COMPANY 

BOSTON 








Copyright, 1918 
by 

THE CORNHILL COMPANY 


Copyright, by Peter Hagboldt, as dramatic composition, “ The 
Test." All rights reserved, including that of 
translation into foreign languages 



MAR 22 1919 * 



©CI.A512765 



-v' 


CHARACTERS: 

Henry Walker, a wealthy manufacturer 

Ethel Walker, his daughter 

Hans Wagner, Ethel’s fiance 

Aunt Jennie, a distant relative of Walker 

Maud McCauly, her niece 

Rene Duval 

Mary Kruger 

Charles Hunter 

Kohler, the Federal District Attorney 
John, butler in Walker’s house 

Scenes laid on Walker’s Estate, in the suburb of a large 
American city. It is the fall of 1915. The first act on 
Friday afternoon and evening; the second and third, on 
the following day. 

ACT I — The Terrace 
ACT II — The Drawing Room 
ACT III — The Library 

(If necessary any one of these sets may be used for all 
three acts.) 





ACT I 













THE TEST 


ACT I 

Scene — A terrace room; large French windows giving a 
view in the beautifully kept gardens; a door in the 
background leading into the park; on the left, a door 
to the drawing room; on the right a door to the lawn; 
luxurious furnishings; aquarium, plants, flowers, etc. 
Evening. 

Aunt Jennie (taking lemonade from John's tray): Haven’t 
you forgotten Miss Walker in the pavilion, John? 

John: No, indeed, Madam, I have just come from there. 

Aunt Jennie: Has Mr. Walker returned? 

John: No, Madain, he is late, as usual; perhaps he will 
come on the eight o’clock train. 

Aunt Jennie: And Mr. Wagner? 

John: Has not come either; these are busy times, Madam; 
the factories are running day and night. It must have 
been six months since Mr. Walker spent his week ends 
at home. They need all the dynamite they can get in 
Europe, Madam. 

Aunt Jennie: Mr. Walker will stay at home tomorrow, no 
doubt? 

John: I fear not, Madam. I heard him speak to his secre- 
tary last night about a commission from the Entente 
powers which is due here tomorrow morning. Mr. 
Walker will hardly leave the contracts for such important 
orders to his managers. 


4 


THE TEST 


Aunt Jennie (Sighs). 

John: Anything else, Madam? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. Have you brought the latest papers? 
What do they say? 

John: Yes, Madam, here they are, — horrible as usual; 
(reading some headlines) “ 150,000 Russians driven into 
the swamps; their drowning cries heard many miles 
away. Ten German army corps annihilated on the west 
front; aeroplane battle over Duesseldorf; battlefields in 
France a huge grave; rumors of an invasion from 
Mexico.” 

Aunt Jennie: Leave them here, John. I will read them 
later. 

John: Yes, Madam. (Exit into the drawing room.) 

(Laughter is heard outside; Aunt Jennie looks out of the 
window; Ethel enters quickly from the terrace.) 

Ethel: I caught him, Auntie. Do you know who he was? 

Aunt Jennie: No. 

Ethel : Don’t you remember, last week our gardener said he 
saw a dark figure climb up the terrace roof, and that it 
disappeared suddenly when he came nearer? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. 

Ethel: Well, I saw that figure today, just now — and do 
you know who it was? Rene, Rene Duval, who wanted 
to throw some flowers in through Maud’s window. 

Aunt Jennie (gaily): He did? 

Ethel: Yes, and he was wild. He tore his trousers and 
blamed it all on you, because you had not permitted him 
to give the flowers to Maud herself. Is that true, 
Auntie? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, it is. 

Ethel: You’re a sly one, Auntie. Tell me why you for- 
bade him. 

Aunt Jennie (; placing a finger on her lips; in a low voice , with a 


THE TEST 


5 


twinkle in her eye ) : Promise strict secrecy, my child, for 
if it gets out all will be spoiled. — You know that Maud 
was madly in love with stupid old Curtis. 

Ethel: Yes. 

Aunt Jennie : Curtis was engaged and Maud did not know 
it. In spite of that he was very attentive to her. 

Ethel: Oh! 

Aunt Jennie: And I wanted to get her away from him with- 
out breaking her heart; do you see now? 

Ethel: Not quite. 

Aunt Jennie: Well, there was little Rene; not engaged, and 
a mighty fine fellow. He is heels over head in love with 
Maud, and has asked me for my “ collaboration,” as 
he called it. I said, “ No,” most emphatically. — 
Why? To make him more eager, and, do you see how it 
is working? 

Ethel: Oh! 

Aunt Jennie : Then I told Maud that I did not want her 
ever to look at Rene, and from that day on, she has 
avoided Curtis, because I did not forbid his friendship, 
and she was eager to see Rene, because I had tabooed 
him. 

Ethel: What wonderful technique! 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, it’s perfectly simple. We always want 
what we cannot have. You see, I must take care of 
Maud. She is an orphan; her mother was my dearest 
sister; I promised to look after Maud as long as I live, 
and since she is not without means, I must guard her 
against a dangerous match. Don’t you see? 

Ethel: You are wonderful, Aunt! 

Aunt Jennie: Now, you just wait. It’s about two weeks 
since I made Rene forbidden fruit, but I am absolutely 
confident it will not be twenty-four hours before she has 
stolen and gobbled it, I meant, him. I — 


6 


THE TEST 


( Rene comes from the garden ; he has a large rent in his 
trousers and limps; he carries a huge bouquet of red roses 
in one hand , and a large box of candy in the other.) 

Rene {speaking with a marked French accent ): Your terrace 
roof is rotten; you should have it repaired. I — I 
don’t like it. 

Aunt Jennie: You’re a poor porch climber. 

Rene : Ha ! I used to climb a second story window wizout a 
ladder, every night, in Paris. 

Aunt Jennie {speaks very seriously; Ethel listens amused) : 
Did you not promise me, Monsieur Rene Duval, not to 
annoy my niece any longer? 

Rene: Soyons amis! Dear Aunt, I promised zat I would 
try not to. I have tried and found zat it is stronger zan I. 

Aunt Jennie: It is outrageous, Monsieur Duval. Miss 
McCauly is your junior by many years. 

Rene: I have only seen zirty summers. 

Aunt Jennie: You have certainly been blind for a long 
time. How dare you think of her? 

Rene: 1 am not zsinking. It zsinks, as the philosophers say, 
and it always zsinks of her “ hazel-nut eyes.” When I 
close my eyes I see ’er. When I put cotton in my ears, I 
’ear ’er melodious voice. When I dream I speak to ’er, 
and when I kiss your ’and {does so) I zsink of ’ers. 

Ethel: Poor Rene! Auntie, I’m going back to my knitting. 
When is the next shipment going to France? 

Aunt Jennie: On Thursday. 

Ethel : Then I must hurry. — Will you please tell Hans that 
I want to see him as soon as he comes? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, dear. {Exit Ethel , drawing room.) 

Rene {calling after Ethel) : If you should see Maud — you 
know — 

Ethel {outside): Je n’y manquerai pas; I shan’t fail. 

Aunt Jennie: I insist that you give up haunting my niece. 


THE TEST 


7 


Rene: I’m not ’aunting, I’m just loving her. 

Aunt Jennie: She is engaged, and no gentleman should 
interfere — 

Rene: I will not interfere. I will just break ze neck of ’er 
fiance. 

Aunt Jennie: She will be married in May. 

Rene: And I will have ’er divorced in June. — May I send 
zese roses to her? 

Aunt Jennie ( angrily ) : No, they are red. 

Rene: Will you take zem? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes — 

Rene: No, Madam, I am a man of principles. May I send 
zese candies? 

Aunt Jennie: If there is no letter on them. ( Opens the box 
and takes a letter from it) Without this. Yes. 

Rene {ringing): Do let me send ’er a pound a day? I have 
contracted for zem. 

(Enter John.) 

Aunt Jennie (to John) : Carry these roses into the pantry and 
give this box to Miss McCauly with love from her aunt. 

Rene (excitedly) : Why do you want me to be an aunt? (To 
John) Twenty francs if you are honest for once. 

(Exit John. Enter Hans.) 

Hans: Good evening, Aunt Jennie. Qa va bien, Rene? 

Aunt Jennie: Good evening, Hans! 

Rene: No, thank you, I am rotten. My flowers are being 
sent into ze kitchen, and my candies are “ slandered.” 

Aunt Jennie: Don’t mind him, Hans. Monsieur Duval is 
a bit off tonight. 

Rene: To be in love means to be off. ’Ans, I’m abominated. 
Maud is dying to see me. I just sent ’er a letter, and — 

Aunt Jennie (rising) : You — did? 

Rene: I mean, I almost sent ’er a letter, but Aunt Jennie 
tore it up. She is my Nemesis, ’Ans. 


8 


THE TEST 


Aunt Jennie {going out) : That looks very — very suspi- 
cious. 

Rene: ’Ans, it’s a peculiar sing to be off. My grandfazer 
’unted my grandmozer for six years, and when he finally 
caught her ’e died wiz jaundice zree months later. I 
know zat — and yet — {gesture of helplessness) . 

Hans {laughing): What did you do to your trousers? 

Rene: I fell from ze water wagon. Didn’t I do it nicely? 
{Enter Aunt Jennie.) 

Aunt Jennie: Monsieur Duval, you deceived me. You said 
that there were no verses in those candies. 

Ren£: Zat’s true. 

{Enter John.) 

Aunt Jennie: John, what did you find? 

John: According to your orders, Madam, I emptied the box 
and found this rose-colored letter at the bottom. 

Rene {snatching the letter from John's hand): You silly idiot! 

Didn’t I fix you? 

John: No, sir, not in this matter. 

Rene: I always tell ze truth, Aunt Jennie; ze letter was not 
on the candy, but under it. See? Not on, — under. 
{Aunt Jennie is in despair.) 

John {showing a pair of trousers which he held under his arm) : 
Will these be all right, Sir? 

Ren£: ( furious ) Zey ’re rotten. You are discharged for 
treason. ’Ere, {giving him a gun) save your honor. — 
’Ans, give me some pants. 

Hans: Help yourself, Rene, everything is open. 

Rene: In ze little summer ’ouse? 

Hans: Yes. 

Ren£: The Chartreuse, too? 

Hans: Yes. 

Rene: ’Ave you a library of bottles? 

Hans: Yes. 


THE TEST 


9 


Rene: Will you tell Maud where I is? 

Hans: Surely. 

Aunt Jennie ( energetically ): No! 

( Exit Rene over the terrace.) 

Aunt Jennie {chuckling, to herself): It’s working all right! 
{After a pause) Hans, do you stay at home tomorrow? 

Hans {in deep thought ) : No. 

Aunt Jennie: Still too busy? 

Hans: Yes. 

Aunt Jennie: Was Mr. Walker on your train? 

Hans: No. 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, yes, no, no. 

Hans: — Pardon me, Aunt Jennie. 

Aunt Jennie: You are too gloomy altogether. I have not 
seen you smile for weeks, what is the matter? 

Hans: Nothing, Aunt Jennie. 

Aunt Jennie: That means — the same? 

Hans: — Yes. 

Aunt Jennie: Aren’t you exaggerating, Hans? Is it really 
as deadly and treacherous as you always picture it? 

Hans: It is. 

Aunt Jennie: But you did not invent it, and you are not 
selling it, Hans. Why don’t you climb out of your fit of 
. blues? 

Hans: I’m just helping to make it and sell it. 

Aunt Jennie {sighing) : It’s useless to argue with you. — Is 
Mr. Walker staying over tomorrow? 

Hans: No; — a committee of purchasing agents is coming 
from England tomorrow — that means new contracts — 
and new work — {rising) much more — and we are going 
day and night now; — in spite of night shifts, — we are 
behind — eight weeks behind; — in spite of six carloads 
a day — six! — Oh! — {at the window) Where is Ethel? 

Aunt Jennie: Upstairs; she wants to be with you though. 


10 


THE TEST 


Hans ( lively , going toward the door) : I will — 

Aunt Jennie: Wait, Hans! — You are no longer thinking of 
leaving us, are you? 

Hans: Yes — and no — 

Aunt Jennie: Never, Hans, not now. 

Hans: I should go. Mr. Walker and I have different points 
of view; I cannot satisfy him. If I leave, I offend him; 
if I stay, I offend him as much, or more. 

Aunt Jennie: No, Hans, it would mean adding sorrow to 
anxiety. — Did you discuss it with Ethel? 

Hans: Never seriously. I haven’t the heart to cause a com- 
plete break between them. 

Aunt Jennie: Keep cool, Hans! ( Hans walks up and down 
nervously) Let things drift, live from day to day and — 
be happy. 

Hans {sincerely) : Happy? No, Aunt Jennie; every day I am 
convinced anew that we are not entitled to happiness, 
not now. — When I walk through our works I see thou- 
sands of men laboring at the risk of their lives to prepare 
a weapon that will bring death and ruin to thousands of 
their fellow men, and I know that the victims are just 
as innocent of the causes of it all as you or I — I can- 
not bear it much longer — I must go — I must find some 
means — some way out — 

{It has grown darker ; a strong wind is rustling in the 
trees.) 

Aunt Jennie: It is hard, very hard, Hans, and yet, you or I, 
we cannot change it; we must accept our lot as it comes. 

Hans: Oh! It’s a prison, a cage, an asylum, Ha! 

Aunt Jennie {after a pause): Have you heard from home? 

Hans: No. 

Aunt Jennie: When last? 

Hans: Before the invasion of East Prussia. 

Aunt Jennie {starting) : Is that where — 


THE TEST 


11 


Hans : Yes, not far off — ; I’m certain though, the invasion 
did not reach that point. 

Aunt Jennie: Thank Heavens, Hans; how you startled me! 
{A gust of wind sweeps through the terrace; it gets still 
darker.) 

Aunt Jennie: They are all well then, according to the last 
letter? 

Hans: Yes, all — except — my brother — who fell. 

Aunt Jennie {gently) : I heard. 

{Pause.) 

Hans: If it were not for Ethel, I don’t know what — 

Aunt Jennie {laying aside her knitting) : There you go again, 
Hans. You Germans are really as somber as your music 
and as melancholy as your philosophy. Why do you 
always try to trace things to their origin? — You should 
be thankful for being here and for knowing Ethel. You 
see, if you dig hard and plan wisely — {humorously) you 
— you may be able to run away very soon. 

Hans : I know he would not consent now, — though he 
would have gladly a year ago. Yes — perhaps you are 
right — one should never try to find the cause of things; 
it’s hopeless — a vicious circle — and one should not 
think. — It’s queer! — When I reason objectively I 
must honor Mr. Walker’s convictions, for he is just as 
convinced of the sanctity of every ton of dynamite he 
manufactures, as I am convinced of the contrary. — If 
I could tell you what agony I have endured since the 
day our chemical works were changed into a — 

Aunt Jennie: It will not last, Hans. 

Hans: It will always last too long. 

Aunt Jennie: Keep cool, Hans, smile. 

{Hans again absorbed in thoughts.) 

Aunt Jennie: When Ethel comes things will look brighter 
again. 


12 THE TEST 

Hans (freeing himself ; toward the door): They always do in 
her presence. 

(He goes out into the garden.) 

Aunt Jennie: (takes the pieces of the letter taken from Rene's 
box and smiles; then , to herself) : It’s working ! 

(A strong wind blows outside; the trees rustle; raindrops 
trickle against the windows. John comes to close doors and 
windows , the clapping of which is heard throughout the 
house.) 

John: It has long been threatening, Madam. 

Aunt Jennie: Is everything closed upstairs? 

John: I will attend to it, Madam. (Exit John.) 

(Enter Ethel.) 

Aunt Jennie: Ethel, are you afraid? 

Ethel: No. Auntie, I thought I saw Hans in the garden. 
Was he here? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, he went to make himself beautiful and 
will be back presently. 

Ethel: Did he say anything about it again? 

Aunt Jennie: About leaving us? No need to worry, he will 
always be where you are. 

Ethel: Did he say how things were today at the factory? 

Aunt Jennie: No, he didn’t. 

(Flash of lightning.) 

Ethel: — This thunderstorm, Auntie, it sounds as though 
it — does not forebode good. 

Aunt Jennie: Not for villains, but for people with good 
consciences — 

Ethel: Has father come home yet? 

Aunt Jennie: No. — You know, in olden times, they say, 
criminals used to hide themselves during a storm; when 
they were found, they were taken to a church tower, and 
when the thunder and lightning raged above them, they 
confessed, were tried and punished. 


THE TEST 


13 


( The storm continues through this scene: it has become quite 
dark.) 

Ethel: May I turn on the light, Auntie? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, dear, if you want to. I can knit in the 
dark, can’t you? 

Ethel: No, I have a horror of the dark, especially since — 

Aunt Jennie: Since? 

Ethel: May I come closer to you, Auntie? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, do as you did as a baby; now, are you 
better? 

Ethel (laying aside her knitting ) : Yes, Auntie. 

Aunt Jennie: Do you know what you did, when you had 
thrown your doll out of the window? You hugged me 
and said: (imitating a child) Auntie, my dolly jumped 
out of the window; it jumped, yes. 

(Ethel attempts to smile.) 

Aunt Jennie: Are you so sorry about it? — Why are you 
so serious? Do you think your dolly might jump out 
again? 

Ethel: No, Auntie — 

Aunt Jennie: Now, Ethel, have you any secrets from me? 
(Ethel does not answer.) 

Aunt Jennie: Go on, Ethel, you act as though you had 
stolen something. 

(Ethel rises and walks toward the window.) 

Aunt Jennie: Ethel! 

Ethel (sighs, then pulls herself together) : No, Auntie, I am so 
worried about Hans. I — he — 

Aunt Jennie: You and he, of course! 

Ethel: No, Auntie, please don’t jest now. I am really so 
uneasy — so nervous — as though something frightful 
might happen. 

Aunt Jennie: That’s just love, Ethel. 

Ethel (starting at every flash of lightning ) : No, Auntie, it is 


14 


THE TEST 


a vague feeling of fear. Unfounded as it may seem, it is 
there. Did Hans really say nothing about father? 

Aunt Jennie: Why do you ask again? 

Ethel: Because — you know how they stand. Father never 
speaks to him, except on matters of business. Father 
has changed so much since the beginning of this w'ar, es- 
specially toward Hans. 

Aunt Jennie (more serious ): I know. 

Ethel : If I only knew how to convince father — ■ but he 
hardly looks at me since our controversy on pacificism. It 
is incredible how he dislikes anything and everybody who 
does not share his convictions in every detail. 

Aunt Jennie: Ethel! 

Ethel : Isn’t it incredible that he liked Hans until the fourth 
of August, 1914, and detested him on the fifth? Why? 
Merely because Hans followed a natural instinct, that 
of loving his own blood. 

Aunt Jennie: Extremes in opinions are like extremes in 
fashions, they never last; he will change his mind. 

Ethel (at the window) : They have all gone insane. — If I 
only knew — (frightened) Who is this man? He seemed 
to look into the window. 

Aunt Jennie: One of the detectives, no doubt. 

Ethel: And why all this unrest? Detectives — secret mes- 
sengers — telegrams — late calls — I don’t know what 
will become of us all, Auntie. — (Pause, lightning) There, 
Auntie — (pale and trembling) I — thought it had 
struck Hans’s cottage — 

Aunt Jennie (with her) : Ethel — dear, — don’t be — here, 
sit down. 

Ethel: Thanks. — I’m so foolish. — Please don’t tell Hans. 
It was just — (listening) is somebody there? 

Aunt Jennie (at the window) : There is Hans’s little home as 
complete as ever, you little chicken-heart — and here — 
yes — here he is himself. 


THE TEST 


15 


{Ethel suppresses her excitement and goes toward the door . 
Aunt Jennie leaves discreetly. Enter Hans. Ethel and 
Hans kiss and look into each other’s eyes.) 

Ethel : Hans, how I longed for you today. 

Hans {merrily): Really? 

Ethel: Really, Hans. {Poutingly) Why did you not come to 
me right away? {Stroking his cheeks) You must always 
come to me first. 

Hans: But I must powder me nose and brush me moustache. 

Ethel: No you mustn’t. 

Hans {close to her eyes) : Do you still know my first poem to 
your eyes? 

Ethel: Yes, indeed. {Reciting) “ Deeply in my bosom I am 
guarding an image more precious than the wealth of all 
ages; if you’d like to see it: look into mine eyes! ” 

Hans {laughing) : It’s a crime. 

Ethel: A dear little crime. 

Hans: Did you suffer from it very much? 

Ethel: It didn’t do much harm, because I was ill, any- 
way. 

Hans: I have always been dangerous in my written works. 
I wrote a drama once, and I read it to my friend Paul. 
Do you know what he has been doing ever since? — 
Sending me doctor’s bills. 

Ethel: Don’t do it again. 

Hans: Never, I swear. 

Ethel: — You are staying over tomorrow, aren’t you? 

Hans {regretfully): No. 

Ethel: Can’t you arrange it? Really not? 

Hans: No. 

Ethel {sadly) : The same cause for so many evils. 

Hans: Please don’t speak of it tonight. 

Ethel: I always intend not to, and always fail. Did you see 
father today? 


16 


THE TEST 


Hans {quietly): Your father? Yes. But he never sees me. 
— And Hunter is as hopeless an idiot as he always 
was. 

{Ethel does not answer.) 

Hans: He is unhappy unless he can make his authority felt 
in the remotest corner of the plant. 

{Ethel does not answer.) 

Hans {rises y then , ironically) : Mr. Hunter, “ Manager in 
Chief.” Ha! {Imitating someone) Mr. Wagner, see to 
this — you had better do that — how about this — have 
your men do that. — Ha! 

Ethel: Hans. 

Hans: Are you defending him again? 

Ethel: I am not. 

Hans: You are, Ethel. — Do you expect me to laud his tyr- 
anny, Ethel, just because he was once fond of you, be- 
cause he was “ nice? ” — He is an idiot. I will not bear 
the yoke of this man any longer than I have to and I 
will bless the day when neither of us has to look at him 
again. 

Ethel: You were always unjust to him, Hans. 

Hans: Am I unjust for knowing my business — for asking 
him to keep away when he tries to tamper with my 
work — with chemistry — of which he understands as 
much as an elephant of rope dancing? 

Ethel : You should not allow yourself to be carried away by 
prejudice, Hans, that is not worthy of you. I’ve always 
thought him a rather decent fellow. 

Hans: Don’t say that, Ethel, you know better. The mo- 
ment I was introduced to him I read jealousy in his eyes. 
The moment I entered the business he was eager to 
criticise my work, to belittle it in your father’s opinion. 
— Did he come to our engagement party? Did he con- 
gratulate you? Is that what you’d call a gentleman? 


THE TEST 


17 


Ethel : Even though he is a poor loser, — you are not fair 
to him. 

Hans: Do you believe me blind-folded? Do I not see and 
feel to whom I owe your father’s attitude? Hunter is at 
the bottom of it. 

Ethel: I cannot believe that, Hans. 

Hans: Then don’t believe it. {Pause) He is “nice.” Wo- 
men always defend men who are “ nice.” 

Ethel: And of all creatures men are most jealous. 

Hans {toward the window) : — You know — why. 

Ethel: No, Hans, tell me, please. 

Hans {with conviction ): Because a jealous man is a greater 
joy to any woman than a new hat. That’s why! 

Ethel {laughs): Hans! 

{HanSy his forehead at the window pane, does not hear.) 

Ethel : Hans ! {Pulling his ear) You are mussing up the glass. 
{Placing her hand between the pane and his forehead , 
turning him) You jealous animal. 

Hans: Admit that you like my foolishness better, much 
better, than the bracelet I gave you. 

Ethel: You — hotspur. — I — admit it! — 

Hans {pressing Ethel in his arms): You are not angry, are 
you? 

Ethel: No, dear, — never with you; and now, don’t let us 
spoil the few hours we can spend together. Build 
castles, you can build them so beautifully. 

Hans: That is true, we have neglected our castles. 

Ethel: Go on, Hans, build! 

Hans: We have finished so many; which one shall we in- 
spect? 

Ethel: That of our future. 

Hans: That we could move in tomorrow? 

Ethel: Or today. 

Hans {kissing her) : We will, — soon — 


18 


THE TEST 


Ethel: Are you certain? 

Hans: In spite of everything. Yes. 

Ethel: Quite certain? 

Hans: We must. — We must. ( Both again at the window ; in 
contemplation. — Silence.) 

Ethel: Hans! ( Shakes him) What has happened? What 
are you thinking of, Hans? 

Hans: Again of your father. 

Ethel : Oh, Hans, we are as sober as the weather. Do you 
see how the wind tears through the clouds? The stars 
will not shine for us tonight. 

Hans: Doesn’t it recall anything, Ethel? This rain, this 
drizzling rain? 

Ethel: An old dear song: “ And there follows a mist and a 
weeping rain, and life is never the same again.” — A 
weeping rain. (Pause) Why did you remind me of it, 
Hans? 

Hans: It came into my own mind just then. 

Ethel ( pulling Hans from the window) : Come, we must never 
sing it, again, and hope that life will not remind us of 
it — often. 

Hans (taking her face between his hands and looking into her 
eyes) : Will you try not to be sad when I tell you a secret 
now? 

Ethel (apprehensively): Yes. 

Hans: Come — (they sit down, facing each other) Don’t be 
afraid; it will hardly surprise you, I think. — You 
know that I keep your letters locked in my desk, to- 
gether with my letters from home? 

Ethel: Yes. 

Hans : Last night, I noticed that they had been searched — 

Ethel: They — had? 

Hans: And in various places in my room I found traces of 
strange hands. 


THE TEST 19 

Ethel (broodingly) : Really? (She becomes very nervous) Are 
you sure, Hans? 

Hans: Please, Ethel, dear, do not be alarmed. It may have 
been impudence or indiscretion of one of the servants. 
( Kisses her) I wouldn’t have told you had I known — 
please — Ethel ! 

Ethel: Do you suspect anyone? 

Hans: No — none at all. I merely thought it advisable to 
tell you. 

Ethel: Was the lock forced? 

Hans (listening) : Hush ! (He quickly kisses her hand and rises.) 
(Later.) 

(Enter Rene , wearing striped trousers which are too wide 
and too long.) 

Rene: Je vous demande pardon! 

Hans: Have you found her? 

Rene: I ’ave not catched her yet. Are you going into ze 
library? 

Hans: No. — 

Rene: Yes, you are. Maud is coming, and I cannot speak 
of love wizout ze inspiration of flowers. — Ze “ Journal 
amusant ” is zere, too. (Pointing to the door.) 

Hans (laughing): Do they fit? 

Rene: No — but — if you buy a suit again, take my measure 
first. 

(Exeunt Hans and Ethel into the drawing room.) 
(The following very quickly: Rent goes to the mirror , mounts 
a chair and adjusts his suspenders , his hair , moustache 
and the rose in his button-hole. — He walks about , hums a 
tune, and finally rings the bell. Then he mounts the chair 
again, working his suspenders.) 

{Enter John.) 

John: Sir? 

(RenS remains on the chair during the whole scene.) 


20 


THE TEST 


Rene: John you are dishonest. 

John: That’s a nasty remark, Sir. I cannot allow you to 
speak to me in this way. 

Rene: That’s everyzing. ( John goes.) Wait! 

John: Sir? 

Rene: Not only zat; you are even stupid which is much 
worser, because your dishonesty does not bring you zis 
(■ motion of counting money ) . 

John: Sir — 

Rene: Wait. I will tell you ’ow to conduct your affairs. 

John : I must — 

Rene: Ta — tata, wait. I paid you fifty dollars for your 
discretion and you squealed. You’re immoral! 

John: It was only for one instant that you secured my 
services. 

Rene: Oh, you do piece work. Then, fix zis button. 

John ( helping ) : At that time it was the auto ride with Miss 
McCauly that failed. 

Rene: If you mention that again, I’ll degrade you. ( Touch- 
ing the buttons on John's livery.) — Listen and name your 
charges. You must see to it: 1. Zat the nails are pulled 
out of zhe trellis. 2. Zat no candy boxes are opened. 
3. Zat ze window in question is never closed. 4. Zat 
nobody takes my picture when I climb in. 5. Zat the 
night watchman go to bed early. Now — ’ow 
much? 

John: That depends entirely upon your income, Sir. 

Rene : Oh ! La la ! 

John : There are five items, and each is worth, at a very mod- 
erate estimate, ten dollars. 

Rene: You’re corrupt, John. 

John: No, Sir. I trust that no gentleman should marry if 
his future wife is not worth fifty dollars. 

Rene: Zat was — clever, John. She’s worth — well, I have 


THE TEST 


21 


not inquired. Here, John, is one hundred dollars, credit 
me wiz fifty. 

John: No, Sir. There’s much more needed, since I have to 
instruct: 1, the chambermaid; 2, the police; 3, the 
photographer; 4, the watchman, and 5, the locksmith. 

Rene ( furious ) : How much do you charge me if I make you 
my partner in business? 

John: I will consider it, Sir. 

(Exit J ohn.) 

(Rent finally fixing his trousers , though they are still too 
long , comes down from the chair , and begins to write in his 
note-book.) 

(Enter Maud.) 

Maud: Bon soir, Monsieur! I’m sorry to interrupt your 
flight on Pegasus. 

Rene: I am only counting up my ledger, Mademoiselle. 
Qu’elle joie de vous voir; je serais mort d’amour si vous 
n’etiez pas venue. 

Maud: That’s like Chinese. — I came to 

Rene : It is impossible for me to express tender feelings in 
English. Je prefere la langue des poetes de l’amour; 
la belle langue de Racine et de Marivaux, des poetes de 
l’amour. 

Maud : Say that in English. 

Rene: Saperlotte, que vous etes belle! (Singing) Ses yeux, 
son nez, sa bouche et ses petites mains seront a moi. 

Maud : If you do not stop speaking in an unknown language 
to me, I 

Rene: Stay. At your command, I’ll speak Hawaiian. 

Maud: I worked over these letters in the library; they are 
all written in French, seemingly by the same person; 
they are exactly alike in wording, and I found all in dif- 
ferent places in my room. One in my shoes, one in my 
hat, one in my purse, one in my stock — 


22 


THE TEST 


Rene: Stockings? Wonderful! £a me coMe cher. 

Maud: Wherever I go I find these horrible little notes with- 
out being able to find out who wrote them, and without 
knowing how to decipher them. Will you please trans- 
late? 

Rene: How? Into blank verse, hexameters, or prose? 

Maud: Literal translation, please. 

Rene ( after reading ): Zat won’t do. It would mean an in- 
justice to ze auszor. He seems to be a man of great 
talent — 

Maud: Tell me at least what he wants of me. 

Rene: Evidently he wants you to learn French; to begin 
taking lessons at once, zree hours daily, wiz me. I have 
a great many diplomas, and can teach you wizout any 
effort on your part. Newest mezod — it’s all done 
zrough ze eyes. 

Maud: What means “ cherie? ” 

Rene: Zat — zat means — 

{Enter Aunt Jennie.) 

Aunt Jennie: Is that how you study in the library? 

Maud: Monsieur Duval is helping me. 

Rene: Yes, we are very busy. 

Maud: Monsieur Duval just translated some Verlaine for 
me. 

Aunt Jennie: I can do that just as well. Where is your 
book? — I see — 

Rene: I know Verlaine by ’eart, Aunt Jennie. 

{Enter Ethel and Hans from the library.) 

Aunt Jennie: Ethel, here, I’m bringing you a telegram. It 
has just come. John could not find you. I hope it’s 
good news. 

{RenS and Maud retire to a corner .) 

Ethel: A telegram? 

Hans {looking over her shoulder) : From New York? 


THE TEST 23 

Rene: ’Ans, look out! Ladies are feekle. You can never be 
quite sure. 

Ethel ( reading ) : “ Arrive tonight — Friday — at ten-fifty. 
Northern Station. Love. Mary Kruger.” 

Aunt Jennie: Little Mary, from Lausanne? 

Ethel ( joyfully ) : Yes, my dear old college chum from Lau- 
sanne. You surely remember her, Auntie? 

Aunt Jennie: Was she — Bully? 

Ethel: Yes. Bully we called her, because she was our best 
fighter, with words. 

Hans: — She here? 

Ethel : Our best speaker, president of the political debating 
circle; the winning speech on “ L’esprit des Lois.” 

Rene: “ Femme Savante.” Such a goose! 

Ethel: She is as brilliant as she is beautiful. Rene, be on 
guard. 

Rene: My ’eart is busy. 

Ethel: Even Hans, my Hans, fell on first sight. 

Rene: Le coup de foudre, we call zat in French. Go easy, 
’Ans, one always comes back to ze first beloved. 

Hans ( reflectively ) : It is strange. 

Aunt Jennie: What a wonderful surprise! When is she 
coming? 

Ethel: At ten fifty. 

Aunt Jennie: Let us go and tell Henry to call for our 
new guest. You stay with me, Maud. 

Rene: Some woman always takes my joy out of life. 

Maud {running off ) : I left my knitting bag in the pavilion, 
Auntie. 

Aunt Jennie: Then you stay with me, Monsieur Duval. 

Rene: I left my cane zere. {Exit.) 

Aunt Jennie {to Ethel) : How do you like that? Come, chil- 
dren! Let us go. The best constitutional is a run after 
lovers. {Exit.) 


24 


THE TEST 


Ethel ( stopping Hans at the door): Aren’t you glad she is 
coming, Hans? Do you fear trouble? Isn’t Mary a 
good friend? 

Hans (i thoughtfully ) : Yes. — It is peculiar though that she 
is coming so suddenly, without notifying us — 

Ethel: No, it isn’t. She knows your mother so well, and we 
are such intimate friends. Why should she not come to 
us at any time? Come, Hans; — now this evening will 
be pleasant and joyful. 

(Hans nods slightly , and follows Ethel hroodingly. The 
stage remains empty for a moment , during which Walker's 
voice is heard in the drawing room.) 

(Enter Walker , followed by John.) 

Walker: My secretary hasn’t been here? 

John: No, Sir, but Mr. Jones ’phoned half an hour ago. 
Walker: No message? 

John: No, Sir, he will call later. 

Walker: Any report from the watchman? 

John: No, Sir. 

Walker: When did Mr. Wagner come home? 

John: At seven, Sir. 

Walker: Alone? 

John: Yes, Sir, alone. 

Walker: Where is Mr. Wagner now? 

John: He went out for a walk on the grounds, I believe, Sir. 
Walker: And my daughter? 

John: They all went out together, Sir. 

Walker: Call Mr. Hunter. 

John: Yes, Sir. (Exit John.) 

Walker (paces the floor nervously. He looks at his watch and 
goes to the telephone calling) : “ West 23 ” — “ West 23? 
— Jones? — Any clue? — What? — Come over. — Yes 
at once.” 

(Enter Hunter from the drawing-room. 


THE TEST 


25 


Hunter: Good evening, Sir. 

Walker: Well, Hunter? 

Hunter: Here’s a telegram from the Buffalo branch. 
Things look bad. Discontent, inefficiency, complaints. — 

Walker ( reading ) : Why are these things allowed to happen? 
Why postpone inspection until the trouble is there? 

Hunter: We can’t be everywhere. You foresaw that? I 
said a month ago that we needed better men in the East. 

Walker: And I asked you to send a man from here at once. 

Hunter: To which I answered that it was impossible, ab- 
solutely impossible. 

Walker: I suggested that you send Harris. 

Hunter: It won’t do. Sir. Harris is ill, Thompson indis- 
pensable and — Mr. Wagner — shall I send Wagner? 

Walker ( rising abruptly): No — not Wagner. (He walks to 
the other side of the room paying no attention to Hunter.) 

Hunter: I mentioned Mr. Wagner only because there is no 
one else, in fact we need more first-class laboratory men 
right here. Our men are overburdened; eighteen hours 
a day will not do for the strongest. It’s only a question 
of time and they’ll leave us. There are three jobs for 
every chemist. 

Walker (interrupts his manager , standing before him , looking 
directly into his eyes y he asks abruptly) : Hunter, is it pos- 
sible, — is there any possible' doubt in your mind — that 
it was Wagner and no one else who did it? 

Hunter (with unquestionable conviction ): Mr. Walker, who 
else could have knowledge of its value? A chemical 
formula, a scientific secret of political importance! And 
who else even if he knew of its existence, would con- 
ceivably have sufficient object to steal it? — Moreover, I 
have never had any doubt since the moment we discov- 
ered its loss last Thursday. 

Walker : The secret service, however, considers it more than 


26 


THE TEST 


probable that interested governments may have sent 
agents for just that purpose. But the point is, — it was 
taken from this house. That, Hunter, is conclusive 
for me. 

Hunter: Exactly. 

Walker: They are prepared to take over the whole matter. 
Nevertheless I am to undertake drawing a confession 
from Wagner. — Family reasons, you understand that, 
naturally. I am about to speak to him; — have only 
waited for any corroborative evidence, any facts, any- 
thing concrete that we may be able to find. 

Hunter ( after a moment of silence ): My conviction is not 
based upon facts; I frankly admit that; it is, nonethe- 
less, a thoroughly considered conviction. I would stake 
all I have that Wagner stole the secret. — May I make a 
suggestion? May I presume to advise? 

Walker: Certainly, Hunter, go ahead. 

Hunter : But first, — what I wish to say is embarrassing, — 
are you satisfied that my judgment is not prejudiced — 
by the hope I once cherished? That I carry no grudge 
against Wagner? 

Walker: Absolutely satisfied; no more of that. Go on, 
what was your advice? 

Hunter: Simply this: I think you will agree with me: — 
The only means of wrenching the confession from Wag- 
ner is — to put his guilt right up to him. 

Walker: That has been my intention. 

(Walker rings the hell; neither speaks. Enter John.) 

Walker (to John): Request my daughter to come at once; 
then call Mr. Wagner in twenty minutes. 

John: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: Nobody is to enter this room tonight without 
being called. 

John: Yes, Sir. 


(Exit.) 


THE TEST 


27 


Hunter: May I ask you once more not to misconstrue my 
position — especially as — 

Walker: I think I know what you are about to refer to. 
However, in to-day’s controversy with Wagner, both 
you and Harris were wrong. Wagner’s analysis was 
correct. Right remains right. But why repeat? Repe- 
tition is your only short-coming. — So much for that. 
— I shall decide the Buffalo business first thing in the 
morning. — Send any cables here. 

Hunter: I was to remind you of the purchasing agents. 

Walker: Thank you, Hunter, I have thought of them. 

Hunter: Good night, Sir. 

Walker: Good-night, Hunter. ( Exit Hunter.) 

( After a moment , during which Walker looks impatiently 
at his watch , Ethel enters from the garden .) 

Ethel ( subduing a slight embarrassment): You sent for me, 
father? 

Walker: Yes, sit down, dear. 

(Ethel does so hesitatingly.) 

Walker (stern, but not in an unfatherly tone) : You received 
a telegram tonight, Ethel? 

Ethel: I have, father, from Mary Krueger. You remember 
my friend of Lausanne? 

Walker: Lausanne? French — is she? 

Ethel: Well not precisely, father, she’s from Berlin. 

Walker: What is she doing here? 

Ethel: She’s visiting, father. 

Walker: Visiting America? When do you expect her? 

Ethel: At ten-thirty. 

Walker (thoughtfully) : H-m — tonight. — What are Miss 
Krueger’s interests, Ethel? 

Ethel: Why do you ask, father? 

Walker: Well — I’m sort of interested in people who — 
for what calling did she prepare herself? 


28 


THE TEST 


Ethel ( noticeably displeased): For newspaper work. She 
was last a correspondent for German newspapers in 
Russia. 

Walker ( after a moment of intense thinking he rises suddenly) : 
It’s unnecessary to see her. You have thirty-five min- 
utes for the nine o’clock train to New York; prepare to 
take it, Ethel. 

Ethel: I — I do not understand, father. 

Walker ( impatiently ): You do not know whether she is a 
dear friend. You have not seen her for years. She’s a 
stranger, and I cannot allow strangers here at this time. 

Ethel: But, father, I’m of age. I cannot very well ask your 
advice for every step I take. 

Walker: No need of that, Ethel, in this case I must — order. 

Ethel: Is my happiness altogether indifferent to you, 
father? — Have you forgotten how mother suffered 
from your severity — how — 

Walker: Ethel, drop that, do not worry about things you 
know nothing of. Do not reproach me with happenings 
of the past that cannot be changed. 

Ethel (weeping ) : It is terrible, father, how you have been 
treating me lately. You send away my friends, order, 
dictate, — 

Walker: Do not weep, Ethel. I have always acted as best as 
I could. I have not meant to be harsh (his hands on her 
shoulders). Ethel, don’t revive memories of some one 
who deserves to be left in peace. You were too young 
when your mother died, you cannot see things as they 
were, let bygones be bygones. 

Ethel (drying her tears): I shall not leave without seeing 
Mary, just to satisfy your mood, father. 

Walker (following a second thought of his own): Possibly I 
was oversuspicious. (Meaningly) And perhaps the young 
lady may herself find that this is not the proper place for 


THE TEST 


29 


her. — Now then, — sit down. ( Ethel does so.) I wish 
to discuss a matter of still greater importance with you — 
you probably know what — do you? 

Ethel ( nervously ): No, father. 

Walker: Have you nothing to say to me? 

Ethel: No, father. 

Walker: Nothing in regard to Mr. Wagner? 

Ethel: You know that nothing has changed between Hans 
and me. 

Walker: H’m, — Have you made any definite plans for the 
future? 

Ethel: Yes, father; we — we intend to marry. 

Walker: I’m certain — you never will. 

Ethel: And — why? What is your objection? 

Walker: If I name my objection you will at once refrain 
from that intention and follow my advice, Ethel. 

Ethel ( firmly ) : I shall not, father. 

Walker: You will, because (in a softer voice ) I have, I am 
very sorry to say, reason to believe — that Mr. Wagner 
is not worthy of a place in our house. 

Ethel (aloud) : That is monstrous, father. That is outra- 
geous. Whoever made you believe that is a scoundrel! 

Walker (calmly) : I have good reasons for what I say. This 
week evidence will be brought against him. (He motions 
toward a chair.) 

Ethel (near tears): You are unjust, unfair. Your prejudice 
has gotten the better of you. Tell me who accused him. 
— What is he accused of? 

Walker: You will learn that shortly. Tonight I merely — 

Ethel: You torment me by this uncertainty, father! — 
How — can you — how — how — dare you — ? 

Walker (wrought up): Ethel! Now that’s enough! 

Ethel: No, father, it is not enough; you do not understand 
Hans’s terrible situation, his scruples against your busi- 
ness, his — 


30 


THE TEST 


Walker: Scruples against—? Are you again beginning 
your propaganda for peace? Again trying to prevent 
me from doing my duty toward a real peace? 

Ethel ( calmer ) : We have come back to our favorite theme. 
You, father, believe that you are saying something new 
and you are only repeating ancient ideas, ideas that have 
been the cause for war as long as the world exists. Your 
peace must be established by superior strength, by blood 
and death; and your slogan — “ militarism ” is nothing 
but a clever and transparent device to hide an ugly 
truth, which is — 

Walker (interrupting ) : Be calm, Ethel, at your age I hardly 
knew better. 

Ethel: It always ends this way. Your air of boundless su- 
periority and your pitying smile. 

Walker (sternly): Enough! — College theories are agree- 
able — but false. This is reality ; and in reality you are 
forgetting that we are confronted by a condition, not by 
a theory. The condition is simply this: England today 
is the greatest nation on earth. Her settlers have gone 
to the most distant parts of the world, as path-finders, 
as pioneers ; it is in consequence of that, that she owns 
one-fifth of all the land there is, that her fleet has ab- 
solute control of the seas. England’s colonies are the 
ideal of independent, self-governed units. According to 
England’s policies the international political situation 
will always be shaped. This great nation — is our 
cousin, speaking the same language, having the same 
ideals as we; she has given us our fathers: Washington, 
Lincoln, Grant. Our relations to England have been 
unclouded for many years, her fleet is at our disposal, at 
any time of emergency, her interests are ours, and — 
yet, you find it strange that I seem to lean toward Eng- 
land when her existence is at stake? (Impatiently) How- 


THE TEST 


31 


ever it may be, you should not attempt to meddle with 
such issues. 

Ethel: All that is very well, father; there are great individ- 
uals; I don’t know whether there are great nations. It 
does not matter, as long as this holds true: If the most 
furious Chauvinists had as much courage as the weakest 
woman among pacificists, he would surely call a spade a 
spade; he would not constantly speak of humanity 
when he, as you — 

Walker (leaning forward, angry): Stop! You are trespass- 
ing upon my good nature. (Pause) Now, then — you 
will refrain from your intention. Do not interrupt me 
any further. 

Ethel: If you want me to understand you, father, bring 
Hans face to face with his slanderers. 

Walker: Listen first: then judge. — Since I turned my 
chemical works into a plant needed in the war, I have 
taken the greatest precaution against theft and robbery. 
I have hired the best detectives. I have dismissed prac- 
tically every German-American, and yet, I have dis- 
covered the loss of the most important asset of my busi- 
ness — the formula for my secret process. (Very strong 
emotion in Ethel , at first unnoticed by Walker.) It disap- 
peared from the desk in my den, Thursday, a week ago. 
You understand, of course, where my suspicion rests- 
Do you? 

Ethel: No, father. 

Walker (observing carefully) : Could you suggest to me any 
possible way in which these papers may have been taken 
from my desk? 

Ethel: No — no. 

Walker: None whatever? 

Ethel (after some hesitation) : No — father. 

Walker: There is no mistake about this? 


32 


THE TEST 


Ethel: No, father, no mistake. 

Walker {going to the other side of the room , thinking intensely; 
then , after a pause): Then — I must ask you to break 
your engagement with Mr. Wagner. There is no choice, 
you are to stand on my side. I firmly expect you to obey 
and to break your engagement at once. 

( Ethel horrified , about to answer violently , slowly settles in 
a chair and stares before her.) 

Walker: To avoid publicity — we shall settle the affair 
within the family. — Did you hear, Ethel? 

Ethel (ardently): Father, you can’t do that to me; you 
will never do that! — you — you are about to commit 
a monstrous error — you — 

( The house telephone rings.) 

Walker ( answering the phone) : Yes, — let him wait. — I 
shall be there presently. 

Ethel ( taking her father s hand) : There, father, is one of 
those who have led you astray; do not listen to him. — 
Avoid what you will always regret. 

Walker: I am doing my duty as I have always done it. 

Ethel (weeping): Consider, reason, before you act; no 
father in the world would make his daughter unhappy if 
he had the slightest bit of love for her. 

Walker (stroking her head) : I love you, my child, as dearly 
as any father loves his daughter — and I am sorry that 
this grief should have come to you. Yet, better early, 
than too late. You follow my advice now, — and you 
will often thank me for it. 

Ethel: No — no, I will not thank you; I will state the facts 
and say that you almost succeeded in taking away all 
that is dearest to me, that I am proud to have frustrated 
your efforts — by faith and trust. 

Walker: You are stubborn and unmanageable, Ethel. I 
repeat therefore, the affair will be settled quietly — and 


THE TEST 


33 


Mr. Wagner may go where he pleases. If, however, he 
proves guilty ('pointing to the door of the drawing room) 
which I shall learn now, — Mr. Wagner will leave my 
house at once! 

(Exit Walker into the drawing room. Enter Hans from the 
garden.) 

Hans: Ethel, your father sent for me. (Ethel does not hear.) 
Ethel! 

(Ethel rises slowly.) 

Hans: So pale and your hands are trembling? 

Ethel (placing her hands on his shoulders) : Hans, — you are — 
Hans: What — what has happened? 

Ethel (composed) : Promise that you will be quiet and con- 
trolled — under any circumstances — that may arise 
now — from your conversation with father. 

Hans: But — What has happened? Tell me. 

Ethel: Promise, I implore you. 

Hans (seeing Ethel trembling and hearing Walker’s voice) : I — 
promise. 

(Enter Walker.) 

Walker: Ethel, wait in the drawing room. 

Ethel: Please — let me stay. 

(Walker motions toward the door.) 

Ethel: Father, I — 

Walker: I insist! 

Ethel (taking Hans’s arm) : No, father, this is my place. I 
am entitled to be here — 

(Walker changes color ; he opens the door angrily. When 
Ethel seems unwilling to leave y there is a moment of 
painful tension. Hans whispers a few words to her; she 
quickly goes , throwing a suppliant glance at him.) 
Walker (hard) : It is, as I thought, a clear case against you, 
Sir. 

Hans: A — case? 


34 


THE TEST 


Walker: Why ask explanations about an affair known in 
its details to no one but yourself. I refuse to discuss it, 
as it will leave my hands tonight to be communicated to 
higher quarters. 

Hans: Mr. Walker — I have — 

Walker: You will pack your belongings tonight and leave 
my grounds by tomorrow morning at nine sharp. You 
will report at the cashier’s office not later than ten, where 
you will be received by a gentleman in charge of your 
case. You will not attempt to approach my daughter, 
directly or indirectly, after this hour. 

Hans ( looking about , as though seeking somebody to whom 
Walker's words were addressed) : Sir, I must ask you in 
all earnestness to — 

Walker: Wonderful acting! Yes, it is you to whom I am 
speaking. 

Hans: I — I — want to know what you mean! 

Walker: None of that; submit to my orders immediately — 

Hans ( passionately ) : You will explain, Sir. 

Walker: Submit — or prepare to be arrested in my house 
to your and my daughter’s disgrace! 

Hans: You will not disgrace your daughter, and you cannot 
disgrace me; — I will force you to — » 

Walker (sharply) : I now ask you for the last time whether 
or not you will at once follow my instructions. 

Hans ( breaking out) : No, — I shall not. I insist that you — 

Walker (opening the drawing room door) : If you insist, very 
well, — Ethel! 

(Enter Ethel.) 

Hans (moderates himself): You accused me, Sir; you slan- 
dered me — now it is up to you to prove your accusation. 

I demand an explanation and an apology! I will not 
leave your house until I have it! 

(Walker is dumfounded.) 


THE TEST 


35 


Ethel: Please, father, — Hans, — curb your temper. — I 
am — if you will only listen to me — father — it is all a 
terrible mistake — 

Walker (furious ): No. Your time is up. I have suffered 
you to remain engaged in the eyes of the world, though I 
knew what was going on behind my back. — I accuse — 
you, Hans Wagner, whom I have received in my house, 
who have eaten at my table, who have stolen the love of 
my daughter, I accuse you in the presence of your ex- 
fiance ( enunciating every word clearly) of having taken 
from my desk the key of my secret process. I accuse 
you — of being a thief — and — a — spy ! 

(Hans, his fists clenched , leaps forward. Ethel falls into 
his arms.) 

Ethel (shrieking): No — No! It’s a lie — a wanton lie! 

No! 

Walker (turning toward the door) : You shall see. 

Hans (consolingly to Ethel whom he holds in his arms) : Don’t, 
Ethel, don’t believe him; — I — God knows — I have 
always been an honest man. 


CURTAIN 




ACT II 


ACT II 


Scene — Drawing Room in Walker’s Residence. It is 
Morning 

(. Rene is seen asleep in a chair. He snores. John enters , 
and the clock strikes eight. Reni, signaling John to go , 
rolls his head to the other side.) 

John: Miss McCauly is coming for her lesson, Sir. 

Rene ( jumping up) : What — ow — eight o’clock? Didn’t 
you say seven? 

John: No, Sir; one lesson at seven tonight; and one at eight 
this morning. 

Rene: I got up in ze middle of ze night. ( Yawns and 
stretches .) 

John: Mr. Walker, who left early this morning, found you 
asleep here, Sir. 

Rene: Wasn’t it your business to prevent it? You are ’ope- 
less, John. Give me ze money you owe me. 

John: It’s all gone, Sir; and I spent a good deal of my own 
besides, eighty dollars in all. 

Rene: I had a credit of eighty dollars yesterday, and owe 
you eighty today? — You have gambled, John! 

John: That was another nasty remark, Sir. I gave ten dol- 
lars to the chambermaid. The watchmen are Scotch and 
need a bottle each before they can sleep. The trellis is 
repaired; the latch is taken off the window, and a fire 
escape is leading up to it. 

Rene {angry) : What in ze devil is ze good of zat if ozers can 
climb in, too? Take it off — off! 

John: Yes, Sir. {To himself) Blarsted little froggie. 

{Exit John.) 


40 


THE TEST 


Ren£: What is ze good of a fine garden if ozers walk in it? 
(Enter Maud) 

Maud: Bonjour, Monsieur. Was that right? 

Rene ( kissing her hand): No, too formal. (Pointing to a 
chair) Too — too icy — if you please. Now — we will re- 
sume where we were interrupted last night. (Seated fac- 
ing each other) Tell me now, do you like me a leetle better 
today? 

Maud: No. — That’s impossible. 

Rene: Did you dream of me last night? No? — (annoyed) 
How can I teach you if you always laugh and don’t do 
what I tell you? 

Maud: And I thought you had such splendid methods. 

Rene: Yes. You mean ze natural mezod, but zat is 
rotten. 

Maud: Natural method? 

Rene: Yes, methode naturelle. 

Maud: Why? 

Rene: Because — by zat method, you see, you naturally do 
not learn any zing. 

Maud: Then you don’t do it by the other method, the eyes? 

Rene: Yes — yes; look! (He looks at her languishingly) Do 
you understand? 

Maud: No. I don’t like it. 

Rene: You’ll get used to it bye and bye. It’s too difficult 
for a beginner anyway. — And zat is called ze universal 
mezod, look. (Same as before.) 

Maud: No. That’s too hard for me. Try the other. 

Rene: All right. Look — do zis. (Mouth wide open , nasal 
sound) “ In.” 

Maud (with bad pronunciation) : “In.” 

Rene: “On.” 

Maud: On 

Rene: That was abominable. 


THE TEST 


41 


Maud: I will do it again. 

Rene: (starting from his seat): Non, non! 

Maud: Non, non. 

Ren£: Don’t. (Puts his hands to his ears) I meant “ don’t ” 
look; O (pinches his nose) on; i (pinches his nose) in; 
a (pinches his nose) en, go on, I will hold your nose for 
you. (He does so.) 

Maud: O — on; ouch! You are stifling me! 

Rene: C’est la methode naturelle! 

Maud: I don’t like it. Haven’t you a method by which 
you can spare my nose? (She powders it.) 

Rene: What a little velvet nose! Let me hold it again. 
Now! 

Maud: No. 

Rene: If you will let me hold your hand it will be just as 
good. (He takes it.) 

Maud: First explain to me again why you call this method 
natural. 

Rene: You see it’s zis way: You say to a baby “ dog,” and 
it says “ Bow-bow; ” or “ mother ” (he pronounces 
“ mozzer ”) and it repeats “ mudder;” “ fazer ” — 
“ fadder ” — “I am ” — “I is.” See? And grown-ups 
are just like leetle kids. If I say “ ma petite cherie ” — 
say “ ma petite cherie ” — 

Maud (pronouncing badly) : Ma petite cherie — 

Rene : Then you say — (imitating her) Ma petite cherie. 

Maud (enthusiastically) : Oh, yes. 

Rene: Isn’t zat natural? 

Maud: Wonderful — marvellous! 

Rene: I invented it. Mr. Berlitz just swiped it from me. 

Maud: It’s grand! 

Rene: Now — do zis. (He points to his mouth as though to 
kiss.) 


(Maud does so.) 


42 


THE TEST 


Rene: Close your eyes! 

(Maud closes only one.) 

Rene: Shut up! Shut it up! 

(Maud closes the other hut opens the first.) 

Rene: Fermez! Bouclez! — No, you’re ’opeless — I will 
not run away when you close it. 

Maud: That is the first thing I find natural about your 
method. 

Rene: Say: jevousaime; — je — vous — aime. Now — 

Maud: What does that mean? 

Rene: Comme ga. (Explaining gesture) Now, say it! 

Maud: No. 

Rene (touches her nose) : Say: — le nez. 

Maud: Le nez. 

Rene (patting her cheek): La joue. 

Maud: La joue. 

Rene (taking Maud's ear): L’oreille. What a wonderful lit- 
tle ear! How long ’ave you ’ad zat? 

Maud: Why do you always touch me? 

Rene: Ze natural mezod is concrete. I must touch any- 
zing I love. (On his knees) “ Le pied ” — I never saw 
such leetle feets. 

(Enter Aunt Jennie.) 

Aunt Jennie: Well? 

Rene (pretending to he looking for something) : Have you seen 
it, Aunt Jennie? 

Aunt Jennie: Seen what? 

Rene : My — my tie pin. 

Aunt Jennie: You have it on. 

Rene: I — I mean the ozer one. I will look for it in ze 
garden, Miss Maud. 

Maud: And I will help him look for it. Wouldn’t you, 
Auntie? 

Rene: Zat is the only zing she has catched of zis lesson. 

(Exit Reni.) 


THE TEST 


43 


Aunt Jennie: For whom did you pick these beautiful 
flowers? 

Maud: For Mary. Isn’t she perfectly wonderful? Such 
eyes and such intelligence. — She knows everything. 

Aunt Jennie: Poor thing! It must be embarrassing to be 
so beautiful that everybody seems to be bewitched. 

Maud : Did you notice how gracefully she carries herself, and 
how light her step is? She walks as though she trod 
on air. 

Aunt Jennie (: roguishly ) : And greatest of all is her personal 
magnetism. No less a man than Ren6 Duval has com- 
pletely lost his heart. 

Maud (taken back) : Oh ! 

Aunt Jennie : He raved about her all last night, and climbed 
that high oak tree to see the light of her room. 

( Maud throws the flowers to the floor angrily , and runs off 
between laughter and tears ; Aunt J ennie places the flowers 
in a vase.) 

(Enter Hans. He looks tired and worn and cannot well 
hide his nervousness.) 

Aunt Jennie: Good morning, Hans. I am glad you stayed. 
I expected it. 

Hans: Good morning, Aunt Jennie. Where is Ethel? 

Aunt Jennie: Upstairs with Maud; they chatted till late. 

Hans: Did you see her this morning? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes — 

Hans: How is she feeling? What does she say? 

Aunt Jennie: Nothing of importance; Mary was there. 

Hans: Did she waver or doubt last night? 

Aunt Jennie: No. She firmly believes in your innocence, 
Hans. 

Hans: She has not spoken to Mary about it? 

Aunt Jennie: She may have done so. Old friends ordinarily 
tell their troubles to each other. 


44 


THE TEST 


Hans: I meant to ask her not to. ( Touching this and that , 
always with a subdued voice) When did he — go? 

Aunt Jennie: At 7.30. — I understand he will return early. 

Hans: Did he say so? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, to John. 

Hans: He — must be very sure of his affair; to think that 
I would not meet him on his own ground — When do 
you expect Ethel? 

Aunt Jennie: Soon. They will have breakfast shortly. 

Hans: Do you know what he did after he left us? 

Aunt Jennie : He went to his room and I heard him pacing 
up and down till midnight. 

Hans: Who in the world can have accused me, — and — 
why — why? Can you imagine? 

Aunt Jennie: No, it’s beyond my comprehension also. 

Hans: Did you ever hear Mr. Walker telephone late at night? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, repeatedly, when I was trying to learn 
the exact time from the operator. 

Hans ( eagerly ) : Did you recognize anybody’s voice? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. Once it was Mr. Walker’s secretary and 
several times — what is his name? — Hunter, yes. 

Hans: Did you hear what he said? 

Aunt Jennie: Of course not; I merely heard his name. 

Hans: Didn’t it strike you as peculiar? 

Aunt Jennie: No. Why should it? He telephones or calls 
quite frequently about important things. — Why worry? 
Only appearances are against you. 

Hans: Yes, — and grudge, prejudice and what not. W T hen 
I think of the words he used in Ethel’s presence — in her 
presence — “ spy ” — “ thief ” — I could — What of 
it, if she believes in me — if I can show her that I am 
what she believes me to be. — 

Aunt Jennie: And that you can do. 

Hans : I can and I will — and if I find out who — 


THE TEST 


45 


Aunt Jennie: Hans, why that? Mr. Walker will come early 
in the afternoon and — 

Hans: And if he cannot substantiate what he said? And 
he cannot ! If he is not able to give a complete explana- 
tion? What then? 

Aunt Jennie: He will withdraw his charge — and you must 
do nothing further for Ethel’s sake. 

Hans ( more quietly) : Do you know who was in the drawing 
room speaking to him while I was with Ethel? 

Aunt Jennie: A Mr. Jones, but I don’t know who he is. 

Hans: Nor I. It is all a mystery — a slimy mystery — 
one cannot imagine or guess — nothing remains but to 
wait — ( toward the door.) 

Aunt Jennie: Where are you going? 

Hans: Just for a walk till Ethel comes. 

Aunt Jennie: Will you tell Henry to call for Miss Kruger’s 
trunks? 

Hans ( abstractedly ) : Certainly. ( Exit Hans.) 

( Enter RenS.) 

Rene ( a paper in hands): Here’s a nice little surprise for 
pacifists. ’Ave you ’eard? An army of two million 
men is ready to invade us from Mexico. 

Aunt Jennie: How funny! The very idea! 

Rene: Whatever is disagreeable, cannot be true. Where is 
’Ans? 

Aunt Jennie: In the little grove yonder. If you go, do not 
talk war to him now. 

(While Rene disappears in the library , Ethel comes from 
the hall.) 

Aunt Jennie: The very idea! Didn’t the Mexicans we saw 
in the south look like naughty children to you, Ethel? 
Can you imagine two million of them invading us? 

Ethel (putting her hands to her temples): I don’t know. 
Auntie. 


THE TEST 


Aunt Jennie: You had a bad night, my dear? 

Ethel ( gesture of helplessness ) : I — I don’t know what to 
do next. 

Aunt Jennie: Do nothing. You are powerless, my child, 
you can only be patient. 

Ethel: Am — I really — powerless? 

Aunt Jennie: I am afraid so, but don’t forget what I told 
you last night. Many a good man has been accused of 
more treacherous acts than that of which Hans is 
accused. 

Ethel: And were never acquitted. 

Aunt Jennie: Oh, but always acquitted. 

Ethel: Because they always succeed in locating the real 
offender? 

Aunt Jennie: Generally. Besides — your father has en- 
gaged very good detectives. He has very influential 
men, even the government, on his side; he will do all 
in his power to bring proof against Hans and — his 
very attempt must bring out the truth. Isn’t that clear? 

Ethel: Is there, nothing I can do — Auntie? 

Aunt Jennie: No dear, you cannot do anything. You see 
— your father had no real evidence, else he would not 
have allowed Hans to stay over night. His suspicions 
were based on erroneous charges, else Hans would not 
be accused. Hans’s determination will force your father 
to go to the very bottom of the affair. 

Ethel (rising) : And then? 

Aunt Jennie: And then all will be well and good. 

Ethel: No; it — it — 

Aunt Jennie: My dear child, really, I cannot understand 
your anxiety. You must trust in time for it always re- 
veals falsehood, let it be hidden ever so carefully. There 
is no such a thing today as being convicted when one is 
innocent. 


THE TEST 


47 


Ethel: How is it possible to cause such misery — with as 
good — intentions — as I — 

Aunt Jennie: You — ? 

Ethel: Was I not right yesterday — having the presenti- 
ment of — coming evil? Was I not right — in doing 
what — ( she weejps). 

Aunt Jennie: There, my darling, — Ethel! 

(Pause.) 

(Ethel braces herself and dries her tears.) 

Aunt Jennie: That’s better now — you see? — We have 
never any cause to complain or to regret if we only fol- 
low our inner voice. We can’t do more than our duty, 
and if we have done that, we must be satisfied. 

Ethel: And if others regard as wrong what we believe to be 
our duty? 

Aunt Jennie: Then we have done our duty all the more. 
Just that — the contradicting conception of duty — is 
the deepest tragedy of life. — 

(Pause. Melodious sounds of a piano upstairs. Both 
listen.) 

Ethel: Do you hear, Auntie? — That is Mary. Doesn’t it 
sound like eternal purity and peace — ? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. 

Ethel: I’m glad she came; her sunny optimism will bring 
light into our troubled days — 

Aunt Jennie: It will; — and now cheer up, my darling, 
and do not cross bridges before you come to them. By 
tonight the shadows will have passed. 

(Enter John.) 

John: Breakfast is served on the terrace, Madam. 

Aunt Jennie: Have you notified Miss Kruger? 

John: Yes, Madam. 

Aunt Jennie: Then we will begin. Come, Ethel! 

(Exeunt Aunt Jennie and Ethel. Enter Hans and RenL) 


48 


THE TEST 


Hans: You may be right, you may be wrong, Rene. 

Rene ( showing Hans the morning paper ) : Where zere is smoke 
zere is a fire. Here — zese news come direct from ze 
frontier, and nozzing seems more wise for zem zan to 
take California now if zey want it. 

Hans: I don’t believe it. 

Rene: But I, ’Ans — I do. 

Hans: These rumors have been going for weeks and nothing 
authentic has been shown, nor has anything come of 
them. 

Rene: Doesn’t zat prove zat zey are in very good control 
of zeir boundaries, ze telegraph and ze mail? 

Hans: Uncle Sam is not asleep; he would know. 

Rene; You see, Rousseau was wrong and Hobbes was right. 
Not a state of peace, but of war of all against all. Every- 
body wants everyzing. Ze Japs want control of ze 
Orient; ze Russians Constantinople; ze Germans want 
ze sun. 

Hans ( laughing ) : A place in it. 

Rene: Yes, and England wants all ze water. 

Hans: And France? 

Rene: Alsace-Lorraine. 

Hans: Here we are again. 

Rene: ’Ans, have you ever teached ’istory? 

Hans: No. 

Rene: I’m glad. There isn’t any. ’Ans, I ’ave a collection 
of English, French and German ’istories at home, which 
clearly show zat zey all lie. Zey contradict on all ques- 
tions of importance. Only ze devil knows what’s right, 
and everybody pretends zey will not listen to ’im. 

Hans: And Alsace-Lorraine? 

Rene: Ze ’istory of that is very simple. In ze first place — 
zat is clear — it should belong to France. — Do you 
know why? — No? — Because I’m a Frenchman; and 


THE TEST 


49 


it should belong to Germany — of course it should not 
— because you were born there. 

Hans: I see. 

Rene: Do you? One bone and two dogs, both are ’ungry, 
is it not? — No, ’Ans you didn’t grasp it. Look! 
Charlemagne gave it to Lothaire in 814. Ever since it 
’as been flung back and forth, always remaining in ze 
hands of ze stronger until we did not want it any more 
in 1871; and we gave it to you; — remember? 

Hans: Yes. 

Rene: Good, you see, it’s zis way: Alsace-Lorraine is like a 
girl, ze sweetest candy wins. 

Hans: Nothing is more logical. 

Rene: It is like Maud — exactly like ’er. She belongs to 
somebody else, because she is engaged to him; she will 
belong to me, because I want ’er, is it not, ’Ans? And 
ze most important point — Alsace-Lorraine ’as belonged 
to Germany for about 800 years, and it ’as been a 
French possession for only 200 years; ’aven’t ze Ger- 
mans ’ad it long enough? Of course zey ’ave. 

Hans: There is no way of quarrelling with you. 

Rene: No, not before I am married. — Do you know where 
she is now? (He trots toward the window and looks out) 
Every zing looks like ’er; every bush; every tree; every- 
zing. ( Comes back) ’Ans, what a funny face you are 
making. Is it griping you again? — You need many les- 
sons in ’istory. Do you know what Montesquieu once 
said? 

Hans: No. 

Rene: You will feel better if you know. You are depressed 
because of ze war, are you not? 

Hans: — Yes. 

Rene: And you did not cause it, did you? 

Hans: No. 


50 


THE TEST 


Rene: You see, Montesquieu says: “ What ’appens is noz- 
ing but an endless chain of causes and effects which re- 
combine and re-occur from century to century.” ’Ans, 
it’s ze same old story in new trousers. We are all so 
much dependent upon circumstances zat are beyond our 
control, zat it is idiotic for you to take matters seriously. 
For instance, if ze left chamber of my ’eart ’ad not been 
enlarged by my great love for ze “ beau sexe ” I would 
’ave been drafted to be shot by your “ landsmans,” and 
if ze German fleet were bigger zan zat of England, you 
might ’ave gone to Germany to be shot by my “ com- 
patriots.” Do you see how mechanical fate is? 

Hans: That seems right. 

Rene: I am always right. 

(Enter Aunt Jennie , Mary and Ethel. Ethel runs to Hans; 
they kiss.) 

Rene: ’Ans, you make my mous water. Where is Maud? 

Ethel: In the pavilion, Rene. (RenS runs off quickly.) 

Mary: Oh, here he is; Good morning, Hans. ( They shake 
hands.) I hope you rested peacefully last night. 

Hans: Thank you; have you seen the grounds? 

Aunt Jennie: I’m just about to show her the beauties of 
our home. Come, Miss Kruger. 

Mary: Till later, children; behave while I’m gone. 

Ethel: Good bye, Mary. 

(Exeunt Aunt Jennie and Mary.) 

Hans (kissing her hand) : Freezing in all this glorious weather. 
(Looking into her eyes) Are you — Ethel — as you were 
yesterday? 

Ethel: Yes, Hans. 

Hans: Why do you avoid my eyes? You did not doubt me, 
Ethel? 

Ethel: No, Hans, — 

Hans: If you believe in me, and if you stay with me — 
(kisses her). 


THE TEST 


51 


Ethel: Hans, I wanted — to speak to you last night. 

Hans: Why didn’t you? 

Ethel: Mary kept me busy till late; — I couldn’t get away. 

Hans: Were you so lonesome after the great battle? 

Ethel: No — but — 

Hans: You could not sleep? That was natural — neither 
could I, in spite of a clear conscience. 

Ethel: Hans, I — I had — 

Hans: What, dear? 

Ethel : I am — I must confess — that — that I — had not 
a clear conscience. — Hans, please do not condemn me 
for what I have done — I swear that — nothing but the 
very best intentions — 

Hans: What did you do? 

Ethel ( quickly , excitedly) : Hans — you know that I had 
frequent clashes with father — because — I argued 
against his business. 

Hans: I know. 

Ethel: You know, Hans, that I’ve always stood for fair 
play. I — I cannot be quiet when I see how others 
suffer — 

Hans: Yes. 

Ethel: I have always believed that the world is governed 
by good will and justice. I have always admired father’s 
manliness, his uprightness — his fairness — and when 
the war broke out — he began to manufacture explosives 
— more destructive and deadly than any that had been 
known before — my own — father — Why did he go 
into the business of killing and mutilating thousands of 
men every day? That thought never left me — day or 
night. We always avoided speaking of it, but I saw how 
it depressed you, Hans. One night — about a week 
ago — I decided to act. It was a rainy night; you were 
in the city till late and father was working in his den. 


52 


THE TEST 


I had just read an account written by a French officer, 
picturing vividly the horrors of modem warfare — I still 
see the gruesome pictures — a heap of dead and wounded 
— shrapnell bursting into it — formless pieces of human 
flesh falling to the ground through the mist of powder — 
the groaning cries of the dying — ( gesture of horror) and 
I could not stay in my room any longer. I went to father, 
showed him the sketch and asked him to read it. — He 
advised me not to disturb him; — he smiled indulgently 
at everything I said, and finally asked me to busy myself 
with my knitting. 

Hans: And what did you do? 

Ethel: I brooded over it till late. — I had seen Mr. Hunter 
that night, and knew he had brought a huge order, and 
that the specifications for it were on father’s desk. I 
went up late — when all were sleeping, — groped about 
his desk and took what I thought to be these specifica- 
tions. — Last night I discovered — I had taken the form- 
ula to the secret process that you, Hans, are accused of 
having taken. ( Tears come to her eyes.) 

Hans ( after a moment of thought) : And you never told me? 

Ethel: No, — I did not tell you — fearing that you — would 
not approve of it, — you, Hans, — with your high con- 
ception of honor and righteousness — I thought you 
would not understand. 

Hans: Who should — if not I? 

Ethel: You are not angry, Hans? 

Hans: What right have I to be angry? (He kisses her pas- 
sionately.) 

Ethel: I have caused so much anxiety for you, — and my 
motives — were only to save thousands of men — by in- 
tercepting this order — and now — it has come to that! 

Hans (stroking her head) : Never mind, dear, we will find a 
remedy. 


THE TEST 


53 


Ethel : When father called me last night I was afraid it was 
in regard to the specifications ; when he said that the key- 
had been stolen, it occurred to me, just vaguely, for a 
moment, that I might have taken it without knowing. — 
Had I been aware of what was really the case, I would 
certainly have — 

Hans: No, Ethel, you would not have confessed to your 
father. You fear him, you dread the very thought of 
rousing his temper. It is fortunate that you did keep 
silent. 

Ethel: I’m not afraid; I must and will take the blame for 
what I have done. 

Hans: If I ever had an opportunity to show you my devo- 
tion, I have it now; you will not be at the mercy of his 
severity if I can prevent it. 

Ethel: Oh! what have I done! 

Hans: You are all right, Ethel. You meant to do a good 
deed; nobody can doubt your sincerity; — but didn’t it 
occur to you that these specifications, if you had gotten 
them, would have been replaced by a single cablegram? 

Ethel: No, I didn’t think of that. — Then — it was really 
in vain — I was misguided by the passion of the mo- 
ment — and accomplished nothing but — this? 

Hans: That is all passed. Let it be forgotten and let us 
think in what way we can best — 

Ethel : Keep quiet, Auntie needn’t know — 

Hans (pressing her hand): Cheer up, my dear; — count on 
me. 

( Enter Aunt Jennie and Mary; Hans and Ethel rise.) 

Hans (whispering ) : Where is it? 

Ethel: Upstairs. 

Hans: Fetch it! 

Mary: Well, well, children, are you still enjoying your fa- 
vorite pastime? 


54 


THE TEST 


Ethel (to Mary): How do you like our new home? 

Mary: Oh, a comfortable nest; a splendid choice. I’m not 
surprised, Hans always was a man of good taste. 

Aunt Jennie: And presently I will show her our animals. 
( Toward the door) I will just get my green bonnet — 

Ethel: Take me with you, Auntie; I’m going to the village 
for a moment; — Mary, will you excuse me, please? 

Mary : If you leave me Hans, gladly. 

(When Aunt Jennie and Ethel have left , Mary pauses for a 
moment as though considering a serious matter; then , turn- 
ing to Hans squarely , somewhat ironically.) 

My little Hans, you are very nicely established in your 
future dwellings; — if I were not Mary Kruger — I 
might want to be Ethel Walker. 

Hans: Thank you. 

Mary: You are spoiled, my boy; there was a time when you 
were more grateful for my compliments. 

Hans (slightly embarrassed) : Yes, when you used to tell me 
that I was a good swimmer — or that I had written a 
good composition for you; do you remember? 

Mary: How should I dare to forget? (Laughingly) Two 
babes in the woods! Little Hans with short trousers, a 
huge cap and a tiny cane; calling for little Mary in short 
skirts, — ha — those were the times, weren’t they? 

Hans: Long — long ago! 

Mary (always playfully) : And then one beautiful day — in 
May — along comes Ethel and kidnaps my own little 
boy (with comical sadness ), the saddest hour of my life. 

Hans (in forced humor): Now we are old and sensible; all 
these things are part of the golden sphere of remin- 
iscence. 

Mary: How poetical! You see, in my presence you are a 
poet. — But, tell me, why are you so gloomy since I 
came? 


THE TEST 


55 


Hans: I’m not gloomy, Mary, how can you say that? 
Mary: Doesn’t a woman feel what a man thinketh? You 
even proved that I am right. I have never met a gentle- 
man who didn’t answer my letters. 

Hans: You — wrote to me? 

Mary: You haven’t lost your fondness for play. 

Hans: I assure you, I don’t know what you mean. 

Mary: ( very near to him): You don’t? 

Hans: Upon my word! 

Mary ( touching his nose ) : All right ! 

(She turns away from Hans , becomes deeply absorbed in 
her thoughts and seems to forget his presence entirely. Hans 
looks on in surprise. Mary stops at the table , abstractedly 
opening a book.) 

My letters went astray. I wrote to Ethel and you from 
New York — neither you nor Ethel received anything. 
Hans: That’s queer! 

Mary: Say at least, Hans, that you are “ delighted.” 

Hans: Isn’t that understood? 

Mary: I adore compliments, say it! 

Hans: Why do you insist? 

Mary: Upon your good humor, you see, depends so much. 
In fact the development of the next few days, — even 
the time of my departure; — do you — understand? 
Hans (nervous): — No. 

Mary: You used to have such nice presentiments, years ago. 

Have you no presentiment? 

Hans: I have not. 

Mary (half jokingly) : I — I have some business here. 

Hans: You — have? 

Mary: Yes. 

Hans: The — idea — ! 

Mary: Indeed, business, — and very important business. 
It is not very tactful to come to it so early, but, as I 


56 


THE TEST 


intend to leave tomorrow, if possible, I will tell you now 
— why I am — .here. 

Hans: You came to visit Ethel. 

Mary: Yes, but only as a means to an end. 

Hans: How — that? 

Mary: Better as a means to fulfill a mission. 

Hans: Go on, Mary; you are — 

Mary ( leaning forward in her chair) : I came to secure the 
most effective weapon that is being used in the war; I 
am going to secure it at the risk of my life — and of your 
life, my dear Hans, the secret of manufacturing Neo- 
Dynamite, of which your prospective father-in-law is 
the inventor and exploiter; my task concerns you as 
much as me for it is to save your old home. 

Hans ( slowly rising) : You — came — And — you — expect 

Mary: You to do what every man would do. 

Hans: You came to ruin yourself — and Ethel — and me? 

Mary : I want nothing of you all, — I want to save my coun- 
try from being laid into ruins; I want for my country 
the same weapon that France and England are using; 
nothing more. 

Hans: Was it for that — that you wrote to me? 

Mary: I’m not so stupid. 

Hans: Now I understand why I was — 

Mary: No, you don’t. False alarm! 

Hans: What is it? What do you know? 

Mary: I’m sure my letters did not harm you at all — It’s a 
part of my calling to know things. Ethel informed me 
of the latest events in this house; does that startle 
you? 

Hans ( forcing himself to calmness) : No. 

Mary : — Then — let us at once determine the way — of 
solving the problem quickly. — Come — ( pointing to a 
chair ) . 


THE TEST 


57 


Hans: For me — there is no problem. 

Mary: Ha! My little Hans! ( Again very close to him) My 
joys shall be yours; my unhappiness, my ruin shall be 
yours as well, my friend. 

Hans: There is no problem for me. At best — I will mind 
my affairs — if — you mind yours. 

Mary: At this moment that is your opinion; but nothing 
is stable; everything is changeable; men — particularly. 

Hans: I will not change my decision. I am — perhaps you 
did not know that — a citizen of this country; what you 
are asking is not the property of one man, it is property 
of the nation; my own mother — would have to call me 
a scoundrel — if I — 

Mary ( quoting ) : “ And it would be eternal death, if there 
were no change.” Do you know who said that? — I 
don't either. It's true at any rate. — I have seen won- 
derful changes in men, — and there comes your old 
Aunt Jennie, — who will certainly tell you that I am 
right. — Ask her. — Whose picture is this? 

(. Enter Aunt Jennie.) 

Aunt Jennie: Are you ready, Miss Kruger? 

Mary: Yes, Aunt Jennie, I'm glad you are saving me from 
the charms of this young man. 

Aunt Jennie: Or the young man from yours, which? 

Mary: We will compromise and say, from each other. 

(RenS storms in.) 

Rene (excitedly): Miss Mary, 'Ans, somezing has 'appened; 
a wonderful colt; fifty pounds; white feets and red 
spotses on 'er snout; she is learning to swim now; where 
is Maud? Where is Ezel? 'Urry, come! 

(He runs off , waving to the others to come; Aunt Jennie 
and Mary follow, Mary looking once more at Hans , who is 
sitting in a chair , his face in both hands.) 

(After a moment enter Ethel.) 


58 


THE TEST 


Ethel: Hans, I have it. — What now? Do you hear me, 
Hans? 

Hans (i rising , freely ) : You give it to me — and it will reach 
your father today. 

Ethel: How? 

Hans: I — will mail it this morning. 

Ethel: That isn’t possible. It’s too late. 

Hans: It is not. I will go to town at ten, mail it at eleven, 
and it will be delivered at one o’clock. 

Ethel: Is there no other way? Why are you so — 

Hans ( laughingly ) : I’m just thinking of the best plan. — 
You see — the difficulty lies in the lack of time. If it 
does not arrive today, it is not possible for me to stay 
here any longer. 

Ethel: Why? 

Hans: If it returns your father has lost every ground for 
argument, and I can stay. — Should it not come into his 
hands today, he will bring about a situation, altogether 
unbearable for both of us. Isn’t that clear? 

Ethel: Yes, it must arrive tonight. 

Hans: The safest way of returning it is by mail. 

Ethel: No, Hans, that doesn’t seem right to me. Why not 
simply replace it? Why not put it somewhere, where 
father may find it? 

Hans: Would he find it in time? Today? He would not, 
most assuredly not. Furthermore, your father knows 
very well that the key was taken from his desk in the 
den. Should he suddenly find it, his suspicion could only 
fall upon you or me. 

Ethel: But, in case you send it by mail, will he not suspect 
us just as well? 

Hans: Yes, but less rightfully. To replace it means to lead 
his suspicion to people in the house; if it comes through 
the mail, he cannot infer that its sender was you or I, — 
then anybody in town may have sent it. 


THE TEST 


59 


Ethel: Yes. 

Hans: Don’t you see that we cannot simply replace it? 

Ethel: Yes, but — it’s all wrong; — I must bear the conse- 
quences of my blunder — 

Hans: No, Ethel, that would be very unwise. Your father 
could never forgive you — and — he would believe that 
you only acted as my tool. We cannot foresee the conse- 
quences of a confession. It must be avoided. 

Ethel: I cannot bear the thought that you are to suffer for 
me. I — cannot allow that — Hans. 

Hans ( embracing her affectionately ): My dear, you forget 
that you are no longer alone; that we must stand to- 
gether in whatever may happen; — my life is yours; 
you have brought yourself into this difficulty, though 
your intentions were irreproachable. I can’t leave you 
in the lurch; I must help you. 

Ethel: You are so good and so brave, Hans. 

Hans: Not better and braver than any man would be. 

Ethel: Will father not think that you returned it under his 
pressure? 

Hans: If he does, I shall convince him in time — that he is 
wrong. 

Ethel: Is it advisable for you to go to town? 

Hans: I do not see any danger in that. 

Ethel: You are watched; they will know who sent it. 

Hans: I will manage that. 

Ethel: If it should be lost? 

Hans: That’s quite improbable. 

Ethel: If they ask you what you are doing in town? 

Hans: That doesn’t concern them. 

Ethel: I’m so afraid that we might make a mistake. 

Hans: You must be calm now, dear. 

Ethel: Won’t father still believe that the key has been 
copied? 


00 


THE TEST 


Hans: Certainly, but only until he finds out that it has not; 
and he will find that out soon. 

Ethel: Did you think of it that they may arrest you — and 
fin d it in your pockets? What then? 

Hans: Then it’s time to keep your little mouth shut, closely 
shut. — I have never seen you so fearful; go on, Ethel; 
just think of the soldiers in Europe; what would the 
poor devils do if they were as afraid as you want me to 
be? 

Ethel: — Shall we send it then? 

Hans: Yes, dear. 

Ethel: Are you quite sure that it will arrive? 

Hans: I am. 

Ethel : I will leave it in your care. — Mary, too — said that 
you would know best. — What is it, dear? 

Hans: Nothing. — I’m glad that everything will be all right 
now. 

Ethel ( taking an envelope from her shopping bag) : Here it is, 
Hans, I — I will pray for you, Hans. 

Hans: Do. 

Ethel: Are you going at ten? 

Hans: Yes, and you? 

Ethel: Now — I have some errands in the village. (With 
trembling voice) Good-bye. 

(Hans presses Ethel in his arms , kissing her lips and eyes. 
Ethel goes ; she stops at the door of the library , as though 
to return , then quickly leaves.) 

(Hans, as soon as alone takes out the envelope and turns it 
between his hand nervously. He goes to the phone , takes up 
the receiver , but hangs it up again , rejecting his thought. 
He goes up and down a few times , looks at his watch and 
turns to the door. Again he comes back and throws himself 
into a chair , where he remains pondering until Mary 
enters. Mary , first stopping at the door , gently steps be- 


THE TEST 


61 


hind Hans's chair , placing her hands over his eyes; Hans 
starts and rises. 

Mary: Poor Hans! Did I frighten you? I’m a pest, am I 
not? 

Hans: If you are — I’m not afraid. 

Mary: I know you aren’t. You were always good at beating 
up the other boys for me at school. I just had to point 
them out to you and you went for them — ! By Joe, 
how I loved it! 

Hans ( with an attempt to jest) : That’s quite explainable; you 
always made me jealous. 

Mary: Isn’t it too bad that I cannot do that now? — Well, — 
I said: men are changeable; I’m glad they are; that’s 
what makes them interesting. 

Hans: I’m not an expert on that question. ( Toward the 
door) I’m sorry, Mary, I have to go to town; — Ethel 
will be with you presently, I hope. 

Mary: What a queer host. ( Pulling him to a chair by his 
sleeve) I came to chat with you. I won’t let you run 
away. You scent the very air of your old home, and 
know that I bring news from your people — and yet do 
not ask a single question? 

Hans: I have answered your question definitely and as for 
the rest — 

Mary: We will not quarrel. Suppose — you give me your 
reasons and name your scruples for refusing your assist- 
ance, and I will divert them. 

Hans: My reasons are known to you; as an honest man I 
cannot steal; as a citizen of this country I cannot be- 
come a traitor. 

Mary: That is splendid sophistry. Has your honesty any- 
thing to do with an issue as important as this? Will you 
make yourself dishonest because you are saving your old 
fatherland, your mother and sister from starvation? — 


62 


THE TEST 


Unless I can secure what I came for, — not six months 
will pass before our country is starved, ravaged and con- 
quered. Your bit of honor certainly is not worth that 
price, is it? 

Hans: You are exaggerating; the situation is not bad; it 
will never come to what you fear. 

Mary : How do you know? You mean to sacrifice your coun- 
try for the benefit of your so-called honor? — Very ex- 
pensive honor, my boy! Do you believe there is an ex- 
cuse because the German government recognizes foreign 
citizenship? If you happened to be a Frenchman or an 
Italian, your pretext would be null and void; — It is 
nothing more than a duty to help when the country of 
your fathers is endangered. — And what are you doing? 
Helping an enemy that we are fighting one against four 
on all fronts to safeguard our very existence. All that 
for your honor’s sake? 

Hans (in the following speaking and moving under a great 
strain ): It is unnecessary for you, Mary, to explain to 
me the significance of “ honor; ” and I believe I know 
very well what my duty is. 

Mary: Have you an idea of the effect of your dynamite? — 
it inflicts wounds that cannot be healed; it does not kill 
— it leaves the victims helpless and hopeless forever; 
and still, you insist that it must mutilate only those you 
claim to love? 

Hans: I am as helpless as the victims you speak of and if 
you knew what mental agonies I have endured for the 
very fact you just mentioned — you would speak dif- 
ferently. 

Mary ( putting her hand on his shoulder) : Listen, Hans ; figure 
it out mathematically and you will clearly see the pros 
and cons. A mere copy of the key is sufficient. Then 
you have done your duty. Ethel is satisfied because it 


THE TEST 


63 


relieves her to know that not her father alone is manufac- 
turing Neo-Dynamite. Walker’s business will not be in- 
jured because nobody besides him in this country knows 
the key. I can go home quietly and when I visit your 
old mother I can say to her: you see, he did what he 
could, your son in the far West, when you were old and 
helpless, — when they had taken everything from you, 
your son, your husband and your home. (Hans stares 
at her frightened.) And finally, what is your word of 
honor if you have given it to someone who helps to 
starve your country, and to slaughter your brothers and 
friends? Nothing! Nothing! 

Hans ( breathless ): What did you say? What — what has 
happened to our home? 

Mary: Don’t you — know? 

Hans: No, no, — what is it? 

Mary: It is — wiped out. 

Hans (crying aloud) : You — you lie — 

Mary (coldly)'. Completely wiped out, like thousands of 
others. 

Hans (pale): And mother and sister? 

Mary: They left in time. They are in Cologne now; depend- 
ent upon the mercy of their relatives. 

Hans: And — father? 

Mary: He has joined the ranks to go East, with his sixty 
years and his white hair; that was shortly after the deathi 
of your brother — in Russia. 

Hans: Has any message come from him? 

Mary : A last letter that he wrote shortly before he froze to 
death — was found on him. 

Hans (fighting his emotion; then breaking out brutally): You 
— you tear my heart — you are lying just — to — 

Mary (taking a letter from her blouse ): I expected that; — 
please. 


THE TEST 


64 

Hans (opening the letter hastily) : — It is — mother’s writing 
— it — is — 

Mary: The rest you can reason out for yourself. Your 
papers brought nothing but a general statement of dev- 
astated towns and ravished women. They didn’t re- 
port how far the invaders came; the Russians reached 
their most westward point six weeks ago, — and — did 
you receive any letters from home since? 

Hans: — No — 

Mary: You see that I’m not a treacherous animal who is 
preying upon your happiness. I’m quite satisfied that 
you should be happy — if such a thing is possible in this 
world, — and if you wish to be happy in times such as 
these ! 

Hans: Did you tell Ethel? 

Mary: No. 

Hans: You saved this for me — to — 

Mary: No. I did not save it to make you willing. (With 
alluding emphasis) If absolutely necessary, there are still 
other means — 

Hans: What is that? 

Mary (avoiding) : You — understand — . Have you now 
seen how purely technical your reasons are? — You have 
not seen it? — Nothing is more honorable and enviable 
than the death for one’s country, — and nothing is more 
•tedious than a monologue. 

(Hans has finished reading his letter again , putting it into 
Jiis pocket ; during the following he breathes with difficulty 
and stares before him.) 

Mary: Purely technical reasons. — Who is a traitor, he who 
abandons his friend in the hour of distress, or he who 
throws aside the petty prejudices of our moral code, 
coming to his friend’s rescue over grave obstacles? — 
No answer? — And your friends — do you know where 


THE TEST 


65 


they are? They are rotting in their huge graves; two 
hundred in each grave. Piled upon each other. Of your 
regiment that went out 4,000 men, forty survived. Of 
your fraternity, once counting 200 members — among 
them many of your best friends, more than one half 
died; wouldn’t it be interesting to know how many — 
by the explosive — that you are so faithfully assisting 
to make? 

Hans (in agony ) : Mary ! 

Mary: You will not be spared — the great struggle does not 
know mercy; but — if you manage wisely you can re- 
pair your — crime — without the slightest injury to 
yourself, as I told you. 

Hans (rising): Crime? 

Mary: Yes, crime. — You have qualities; you can be furious. 
I didn’t know that. 

Hans: What do you mean by crime? Take it back! 

Mary (shrugging her shoulders ): You are even forgetting 
your breeding. I see — that you will beg me — take 
back very much — before sunset. 

Hans (calming himself forcibly) : You have not the slightest 
idea of what you are doing. You don’t attempt to 
understand my situation. You just demand and con- 
demn. Do you really believe that my obligations toward 
this country are done away with if you deny them 
sweepingly? Do you know the terrible position of the 
German- American in this war? 

Mary: German- American? 

Hans: I know — there is no such being; there are only Ger- 
mans and Americans. Though this is absurd psycholog- 
ically, — politically it is right. — The hyphen is wrong 
nationally; it should not exist. A nation is a large family 
and no discord should exist in it caused by interests that 
do not serve its welfare. — My oath of allegiance makes 


66 


THE TEST 


me a member of the family of Americans, and as such 
I must never think of the old fatherland — if it harms 
my new home; all that is dear and precious must be 
forgotten — if it does that. Just that is the great afflic- 
tion of every American who was born in Germany, — 
who came here after his education had been completed, 
his tastes formed, — and who must now quietly look on 
while his new home helps in the destruction of his old. 

Mary: Must he? Can’t he protest? Isn’t it his own fault 
if politically he is weak and negligent? Do you know 
that in Germany you are as much scorned as you are 
here? 

Hans: Exactly. Suspected here and scorned there. That 
is quite my case. You are willing to ruin me; Mr. 
Walker is anxious to do so. A German- American is a 
man with two masters: one to kick him; the other to 
cuff him; he loves both — all the same. 

Mary: He doesn’t deserve anything else! Why doesn’t he 
stay at home, where he belongs? 

Hans: You might just as well ask: why did anybody come to 
America. 

Mary: Practically twenty million inhabitants of German 
extraction, a cipher in a situation such as this. It’s 
absurd ! 

Hans: Your scorn does not alter the fact. In matters of 
politics the German is a nothing. Wherever the causes 
for this may lie, it is so — and whatever you may have 
to say in defense of your plan, — I expect to do my duty 
where and how I see it, without your sanction. 

Mary: Though you are still hiding behind Ethel and a 
fictitious duty, — you will do what I ask of you. 

Hans: I am not hiding behind anybody. Not only Ethel 
and my duty bind me to this country, but — also — a 
deep-rooted love for the American and his home; for 


THE TEST 


67 


his customs and ideals. You cannot reproach me with 
infidelity; you cannot blame me for ingratitude, for I 
shall always remember my cradle — Germany. — I’m 
not hiding; I’m not offering excuses; I love my fellow- 
citizen and his country — which is mine. — I admire his 
optimism, I believe in his fairness, his honest intention 
to be just; in his big-heartedness that opens his mind to 
every side of a question; that makes him see human 
things humanly. — Yet, for our agony of mind there is 
no solace; neither recollection of the land of our fathers 
nor affection for our adopted country suffices. For us, 
wretched hybrids, torn between two emotions, there is 
no escape from isolation and misery. 

Mary: A picture in white. Exquisite pallor! 

Hans: You — are too narrow-minded to consider my argu- 
ment. I have yet to meet the American who will not 
listen to me when I offer a justification of my opinion in 
good faith. Fanaticism and one-sidedness are — thank 
heaven — not American traits — not yet. 

Mary: All that is of interest, but it takes us too far away 
from our question. Let me continue, therefore: You 
are — and I will tell everybody who wants to listen — 
you are a coward — my little Hans ! 

Hans: — I will go — till your senses come back. ( Turns to 
leave.) 

Mary: Stay! I command it! 

Hans: Who are you to command me? 

Mary ( going slowly to him; quite near ; looking into his eyes) : 
— Do you — know — who? 

Hans: — What? — 

Mary (in the same position) : Must I help your memory? 

Hans (a sudden thought comes to him; he starts , grows pale) : 
You will not — never will you do that! 

Mary: I will — as surely as I shall succeed. 


68 


THE TEST 


Hans : If you do that — I — I — 

Mary ( determined ) : This is my last word : — You will before 
six tonight deliver to me the secret — or you will be — 
five minutes later without any hope of anything that 
life means for you; you will be an — outcast. ( Slowly 
moving toward the door) An outcast — because — 

Hans (j groaning ): Wait, wait. ( Taking her arm) Listen — 
ask of me what you will; anything I have, — only not 
that — 

Mary: You know my price. 

Hans: With Ethel you are taking my life. Then there is 
but one thing for me to do. You know what I — 

Mary: I’m sorry. — 

Hans: Mary, you are not leaving me any choice. If I do 
what you ask of me I am a thief; if I do not — I’m an 
outcast. What can I give you? Demand my right arm, 
— anything — but that. 

Mary: All or nothing. 

Hans (bracing up): But are you certain — that your stay 
will have the effect you want. — They may perhaps un- 
derstand; — and where would you be then? 

Mary: Useless! I will take all or nothing. You are not more 
entitled to your life than those I will save by accom- 
plishing my purpose. 

Hans : And — what will you say — if I refuse to give up — 
if I take you with me into misery. 

Mary: Then I will stay there for a little while — to leave 
you in misery — forever. 

Hans: — I — can deny. — How will you bring the proof? 

Mary: No, you can’t; that isn’t in you. You will admit. 
And if you shouldn’t, what will it gain for you? Nothing ! 
There will always be something between you and Ethel, 
a vague darkening suspicion. 

Hans (in despair; more to himself) : There is no way out — 


THE TEST 


69 


outcast or thief. — We will both go together — both 
together. (He staggers to a chair.) 

Mary (to the door ) : Prepare your journey, Hans. — You 
have chosen, it will be a rough road. A lonesome road. — 
Be ready. — I’m not in the habit of waiting. — Re- 
member — at six! 

(She stops at the door , again observing Hans, whose ex- 
pression slowly changes from despair to hope.) 

Hans (rising spontaneously, gropes toward the pocket con- 
taining the envelope received from Ethel, and calls — almost 
inaudibly ): Mary! 

Mary (Stands erect, a triumphant smile on her face. Then, 
coming nearer, slyly, sarcastically, between joy and ex- 
pectancy-) Are you — ready? 

CURTAIN 







' 










ACT III 







ACT III 


Scene — Library in Walker s mansion ; afternoon and evening 
of the same day. Two large wing doors lead into the terrace 
room of the first act, in the back ground. Drawing room at 
the left. Dining room at the right. 

(Rene, very downcast , seated opposite Aunt J ennie who is 
knitting.) 

Rene: No, Aunt Jennie, if you ’ad ’eard what she said to 
me, even your cold ’eart would have melted. 

Aunt Jennie: What did she say then? 

Rene: Always Mary, Mary, and Mary again; and I ’aven’t 
given Mary the slightest ’ope. She described ’ow I 
kissed her; ’ow I snuggled up to ’er; ’ow I gave ’er an 
eye lesson; ’ow I catched ’er wiz my perfidious compli- 
ments, and ’ow I punched ’er cheeks. 

Aunt Jennie: Pinched you mean. You say you did not 
do it? 

Rene: No. I’m sorry I didn’t. Really, I didn’t. If she ’ad 
been here longer, I might; but I can’t punch anybody I 
don’t like. I never — ’onestly — punched a lady with- 
out marrying her — 

Aunt Jennie: How often did you pinch? 

Rene : I mean, without wishing zat she were married. 

Aunt Jennie: What? 

Rene: To me — of course. 

Aunt Jennie: Do you honestly wish Maud to like you? 

Rene: No ozer wish is in my bosom. 

Aunt Jennie: Don’t make such a funny face, Rene. 


74 


THE TEST 


Rene: If I could make faces I would change every face I 
know, except Maud’s. 

Aunt Jennie: You are all wrong. A man should never 
marry. My mother always said: a widow who marries 
again does not deserve the death of her first husband. 
Give up that idea. Why do you want to marry? Are 
you sick? Are you poor? 

Rene ( always very melancholy ) : No. — I am so — so — 
single — and I ’ave been working ’er so ’ard. Zey always 
warned me; zey said — once — it would ruin me, — 
zey were right — it has come — I must shoot my 
*eart. 

Aunt Jennie: Go on, that’s a hackneyed pose. Don’t you 
know that a man who commits suicide is nothing but a 
blockhead who kills a fool? 

Rene: No, it is not a posture. It is, what Americans call 
“ real stuff.” No, since Maud called me zat ’orrible 
name I am broke — broke — ’eart-broke. 

Aunt Jennie: What name? 

Rene: A funny little jumping Jack. 

Aunt Jennie: That’s terrible! 

Rene: And I don’t even know what a jumping and a Jack 
is. Do you? 

Aunt Jennie: No. Consult Mr. Webster. 

Rene : I ’ave but it is not listed zere. I will ask ’er. — And — 
after she had said zat, she began to cry and fell on ze 
bench. 

Aunt Jennie: Did she hurt herself? 

Rene: She said it was none of my blooming business, and 
zen she jumped up and ran away. 

Aunt Jennie: You did not handle her properly. 

Rene: ’Andie? — ’andle? Not ze remotest chance of ’and- 
ling. It was long distance all ze time. 

Aunt Jennie: What did you call her? 


THE TEST 75 

Rene: I called her my “honey flea” and my “turtle 
chicken.” 

Aunt Jennie: You see, that made her angry. 

Rene: Would you be angry if I called you zat? 

Aunt Jennie: Try it. 

Rene: No, zanks. — I know, positively know, zat she never 
liked anybody as well as me. How could she ’elp it? 
Didn’t she give a lemon to Curtis, just because she 
craved for my person? 

Aunt Jennie ( pointing to him) : This person? 

Rene: And now! — Do you zink it possible zat she has 
suddenly turned — (he whistles and points to his fore- 
head). 

Aunt Jennie: Quite possible. We all do that. Who would 
be married otherwise? 

Rene : I always grow a bit nutty for a week or so after I fall 
in love, don’t you? 

Aunt Jennie: I did; a century ago; and I never recovered 
from it quite. 

Rene: I thought so. Zen — you feel ’ow I am palpitating 
in ’ere? 

Aunt Jennie: The same trouble with all men. They pal- 
pitate before and after they are domesticated. 

Rene: No, my case is chronical; I ’ave been suffering ever 
since I beheld ’er “ hazel nut eyes ” — ( rising ) I am 
going to — to — 

Aunt Jennie: Where? 

Rene: ’Ome. I ’ave some poison zere; a present from my 
last fiance, against — unsuccessful lovers. 

Aunt Jennie: Don’t take it yet. Stay about! I can — 

Rene : Or I am going to France — zey must take me in spite 
of my big ’eart. 

Aunt Jennie: Wait, Rene. 

Rene: No, nevermore. 


76 


THE TEST 


Aunt Jennie: Perhaps, I can help you. 

Rene: {turning) : If you could — you — you dear sing! 

Aunt Jennie: I’m in need of some money for the Red Cross. 

Rene: Yes? 

Rene {again hopeless ): No, I can’t do zat — she’s against 
gambling. 

Aunt Jennie: It will pay you this time. Just now, and 
then never again. 

Rene: Provided you won’t squeal! 

Aunt Jennie: Honestly not; on my word! 

Rene: What is your bet? 

Aunt Jennie: I wager that Maud will call you “ turtle 
chicken ” within five minutes; that she will not believe 
you snuggled Mary; that she will like you better than 
ever before, and — that she will kiss you. 

Rene: She — me? 

Aunt Jennie: Without fail! 

Rene: Maud — me? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes; nobody but Maud — you. 

Rene: ’Ow — ’ow much ’ave you? 

Aunt Jennie: Five thousand dollars. 

Rene: Go all you can! 

Aunt Jennie: Payable today. 

Rene: For zat you can ’ave me life. 

Aunt Jennie: Certified cheque? 

Rene: Yes. 

Aunt Jennie: With prospects for more? 

Rene: Much! 

Aunt Jennie: All right! Five — minutes! — {She goes into 
the drawing room.) 

Rene {takes out a cheque book and writes out a cheque. To 
himself ): Safety first! {At the phone) Alio! Sous 62. — 
Sous 62? Canadian Pacific? Register — What? , Ren6 
Duval. Yes — Reserve two berths in a private com- 


THE TEST 


77 


partment on train No. 11, leaving Summerdale at 8.25 
tonight. Yes. — Yes. — Where? — I don’t care. — Use 

your own judgment. Yes. Bay 16. — Bay 16? — 

Fazer Spaulding? Fazer — I — I catched her — yes — . 
Yes, a marvellous peach; I’ll be zere wiz ’er in twenty 
minutes. Don’t forget — Veuve Clicquot — ! Au revoir ! 
(He dances about and sings: “ Ses yeux , son nez> sa bouche 
et ses petites mains , seront a moi , seront a moi”) 

( Enter Maud and Aunt Jennie from the parlor.) 

Maud: The poor thing; Auntie, how could you? 

Aunt Jennie (holding her at the door): That is my work, 
Maud. Do you see, how it succeeded? Now don’t tell 
him before you are married. 

Maud : The poor thing ! (Rushing toward Reni) I’m so sorry, 
Rene. (While she hisses him , RenS passes his cheque to 
Aunt Jennie.) 

Aunt Jennie: Enough, stop! 

Rene: I believe in preparedness. (Takes three rings from his 
pockets) Zese are for Fazer Spaulding, and zis — is for 
Maud. (Maud kisses him again) We are very busy;, 
will you excuse us? 

Maud: For just a moment? 

(Aunt Jennie kisses first Maud and then Ren6 who , protest- 
ing vigorously , pulls Maud behind him into the terrace 
room.) 

Aunt Jennie (waves her handkerchief at the window ; to her- 
self) : Didn’t I do that nicely? 

(She is about to resume her knitting when Ethel enters from 
the dining room; she is in hat and street dress.) 

Ethel: Has Hans returned yet? 

Aunt Jennie (apprehensively ) : No. 

Ethel: Has anyone seen him? 

Aunt Jennie: Not so far as I know. I last saw him this 
morning before he left, at about ten. 


78 


THE TEST 


Ethel: He should have been here an hour ago. 

Aunt Jennie: But where did you go, Ethel, without leaving 
any word? 

Ethel: To town. 

Aunt Jennie: Although you had a guest? 

Ethel: It was very urgent; I could not explain to Mary. 

Aunt Jennie: She asked for you — and particularly for 
Hans, very often. It must be something of importance. 

Ethel: Where is she now? 

Aunt Jennie: In her room, I suppose. 

Ethel: She was not angry, was she? 

Aunt Jennie: No, — but — it is strange that she should go 
into Hans’s cottage. 

Ethel: She knew he was not there. 

Aunt Jennie: And it is strange that she should have gone 
there after a very violent discussion of which I heard a 
a few words while passing through the library. 

Ethel: — A violent discussion? Did you hear anything? 
Any word? 

Aunt Jennie: No. 

Ethel: They spoke loudly? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes, and later, Hans dashed to the garage, 
and Mary walked about, seemingly interested in every 
corner of the house. 

Ethel: That is strange, — what can she have wanted? 

Aunt Jennie: Evidently something Hans could not agree to. 

Ethel: She was in his cottage? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. 

Ethel ( meditating ) : If I — think now — it strikes me — 
that — last night she wanted such accurate information 
— so detailed — about Hans — and everything con- 
cerning us and father. 

Aunt Jennie: Perhaps that is natural, as you are such good 
friends; but — what else did she ask? 


THE TEST 


79 


Ethel : About many — many details. 

Aunt Jennie: And you informed her? 

Ethel: Yes, — quite openly. ( After a pause ) — Could it be 
— that — No, — not that; — not that. — Her trunks 
have arrived; haven’t they? 

Aunt Jennie: No. 

Ethel: Has anything else happened, Auntie? No message; 
no phone call for me? 

Aunt Jennie: No, dear, nothing. 

Ethel: Everything is wrong; all, out of joint. — Something 
must happen. ( Thinking intensely) It is peculiar. — 

Aunt Jennie: Come, Ethel, — you are worrying needlessly. 

Ethel: If only Hans would come. 

Aunt Jennie: Look, dear, it’s almost six o’clock. In a few 
hours — all will be clear. — Take off your gray glasses. 

Ethel : What will become of us? What will become of Hans? 

Aunt Jennie: You mustn’t lose hope. 

Ethel ( freeing herself ): You don’t know what is going on. 
Did you see the evening papers? 

Aunt Jennie: No. 

Ethel: The invasion that was so constantly rumored is a 
certainty — a fact. 

Aunt Jennie: — No. 

Ethel: It is. A tremendous army has crossed our border; 
our people are fleeing in all directions, leaving every- 
thing behind. All is confusion; nobody knows what will 
happen next. 

Aunt Jennie: That is surely a rumor, as it always was. 

Ethel: No, this time it is the truth. On the train I heard 
that the mail is censored; guards on all bridges, in all 
public places. The militia is to be called tonight; at the 
newspaper offices, someone said, great crowds have gath- 
ered. All suspicious persons are to be arrested — and — 
spies are to be court-martialed — immediately — , Hans 
Hans — , just imagine — Hans. 


80 


THE TEST 


Aunt Jennie: Don’t, — don’t. 

Ethel: Hans, accused as — 

Aunt Jennie: Look, Ethel, no man will be treated unjustly. 
There is no creature as just as our Uncle Sam. 

Ethel: Uncle Sam has nothing to do with it. If the mob had 
any idea of father’s suspicion, they would call for Hans 
tonight and — tear him to pieces. — ( The whistle of a 
train is heard; Ethel listens frightened.) 

Aunt Jennie: Do you hear? That’s Hans. 

Ethel: And father? — I must see him without delay — 

( The 'phone rings; Aunt Jennie answers) 

“ Mr. Walker’s residence. — Yes. — No, not in. — 
Very soon. — Any message? — Who? — Thank you.” 

Ethel: Who — who was it? 

Aunt Jennie: Mr. Kohler. 

Ethel {pale) : Father’s old friend? Mr. Kohler? 

Aunt Jennie: What is it, dear? 

Ethel: Did you hear right? 

Aunt Jennie: Yes. 

Ethel: We are lost! Hans is lost! 

Aunt Jennie: Ethel! 

Ethel: The Federal District Attorney — 

Aunt Jennie ( startling ): Oh! 

Ethel: He — he — doesn’t want Hans. Say no! Say no! 

Aunt Jennie: My child! 

Ethel: Good Lord! 

Aunt Jennie ( looking toward the terrace door) : Here is — 

Ethel: WLo? — Mr. Hunter. — Thank heaven! 

(Enter Hunter. Ethel beckons to Aunt Jennie , who leaves 
discreetly through the drawing room.) 

Hunter: How are you — Miss Walker? 

Ethel: Mr. Hunter. ( She offers her hand which he takes hesi- 
tatingly; she motions toward a chair and both sit down.) 

(A pause of embarrassment.) 


THE TEST 


81 


Hunter : You — you left word for me at my office. 

Ethel: — Yes. — 

Hunter: I — I was somewhere about the factory — when 
you called — I hurried over as soon as I found your 
note. — Now — (he looks up to Ethel who is seeking for 
words) I’m at your service. 

Ethel: Thank you. I — I asked you to come because — I 
have to tell you something — something you are to 
know — I’m in need of your help, Mr. Hunter. 

Hunter: Yes. 

Ethel: If — I should beg you to do me a favor — a great 
favor — that I shall never forget, that I shall always be 
thankful for — would you grant it? 

Hunter: I should, of course, do everything in my power. 

Ethel: I — I wanted to speak to you about Mr. Wagner. 
(Hunter listens and frowns.) 

Ethel: And I — (throwing off her restraint) I wanted to ask 
you to save me from a terrible situation. You know 
everything about the theft and father’s suspicion, don’t 
you? 

Hunter: I do. 

Ethel : That suspicion — is all wrong. — It was — I — who 
took it. 

Hunter (rising): I’m sorry, Miss Walker. 

Ethel: Why? What is it? 

Hunter: You are trying to sacrifice yourself for him. 
That — 

Ethel (toward him , earnestly) : No, I’m not. I’m telling the 
truth, the whole truth. You cannot mistrust my word, 
you must believe me. 

Hunter: I believe everything you say — but that. 

Ethel (grasping his arm) : Don’t go ! Don’t go ! 

Hunter (laying his hand on hers) : All I can do — is to pre- 
vent such a mistake, one that you would regret as long 
as you live. 


82 


THE TEST 


Ethel: You’re wrong; all wrong; why do you doubt my 
word? 

Hunter: Because it is best for you that I doubt it. — He is 
not worth your sacrifice. 

Ethel: How dare you say that, — when he is not here? 

Hunter ( turning , warmly ): I mean it for your good, Miss 
Walker. I do not want to offend or harm anybody. I 
want to protect you. 

Ethel {discouraged): No, — you don’t. How can you pro- 
tect anybody whom you don’t trust? — I will — then do 
without you. 

Hunter {imploringly) : I really meant to do right. There is 
nothing I would not do for you — if I could. 

Ethel: You are glad that Mr. Wagner is accused, — that 
he will not be with us — much longer; — you are not 
asking: is it right, is it wrong. — You are not — I’m 
afraid — free of — envy — We had better dismiss the 
matter entirely. 

Hunter: You misunderstand my position, Miss Walker; I 
assure you, I swear — 

Ethel: You swear? 

Hunter: I do. 

Ethel: And think I believe you? You expect for yourself 
what you refused me? 

Hunter : I blindly believe anything you say — except — 

Ethel: And — if I should swear — by the grave of my 
mother — would you still dare to distrust me? 

Hunter : I — certainly would not. 

Ethel: I swear then, that it was I — who took it — with- 
out his knowledge, without any influence from him what- 
ever. Is that sufficient? 

Hunter: It is, indeed, but how — 

Ethel {hastily) : Listen before it is too late. Do not ask me 
now. I will explain the motives of my action to you 


THE TEST 


83 


some time. You must help me, Mr. Hunter, — I gave 
the key to Mr. Wagner. He mailed it today. It must 
have arrived now. I’m certain it’s there now. 

Hunter: Where? 

Ethel: At your office. If you go there now, if you hurry, 
provided that the mail is not being held for censorship, 
you will find it. Please do go at once. See whether it 
has come by the last mail and bring it. In an hour you 
may be back. 

Hunter: And then? 

Ethel: Give it to my father — and say that it was — that 
you found it. 

Hunter: How can I lie to your father? How can I do that? 
I have been with him for more than fifteen years; he 
has trusted me with his professional secrets; his busi- 
ness; his fortune, and now I should go to him to lie — 
cold-bloodedly, consciously? I should betray his con- 
fidence? 

Ethel: Oh, don’t refuse. There is no man and no woman in 
the world who has not lied for things far less important 
than this. 

Hunter: It’s exactly the gravity of the matter that makes it 
impossible. 

Ethel: Think of what will happen. Father’s sense of jus- 
tice touches the very boundary of fanaticism. My rela- 
tion to him would never again be the same. ( She weeps.) 

Hunter (tenderly ) : Miss Walker. 

(A pause.) 

I owe much to your father. Things must be right in this 
world. Can I expose myself to the danger of being 
called a liar — by your father — a liar? 

Ethel: It will never come to that; he will never know; and 
if it does come — I will frankly confess and you will be 
re-established in my father’s eyes. — That is always the 


84 


THE TEST 


way; men will never sacrifice their honor for women. 
How many women do sacrifice theirs for men? — Didn’t 
you say once that you were my friend? ( Drying her 
tears , going toward the door) That is all — I had to say 
to you. ( Nodding slightly as though to leave) Mr. Hunter 
— I thank you for — your visit — and your trouble. 

Hunter: Miss Walker! {Ethel stops.) And what will you 
think of me if I — deceive your father? 

Ethel: I — will think — that you are one of the few “men” 
— I know. 

{Hunter shakes his head gravely ; he goes slowly toward the 
table where he stops , looking at his watch. He takes a deep 
breath , pauses and resumes his walk. Ethel has remained 
at the door ; now and then she throws a glance at Hunter.) 
{Enter Mary.) 

{Mary looking at both , tries to understand the situation. 
As soon as she feels herself noticed by Hunter , she turns 
to Ethel.) 

Mary: Hello, Ethel! Where have you been? When did you 
return? 

Ethel {catching Hunters eye): One moment please, Mary. 
{Hunter whispers a few words to Ethel. Mary listens 
eagerly , apparently not understanding. Hunter leaves 
quickly.) 

Mary {quite ingenuously) : Where were you all day long, you 
little deserter? 

Ethel {without looking at her) : I was in town. 

Mary {carefully groping) : Was it so urgent that you could 
not tell me where you were going? 

Ethel {hesitating) : — Yes. 

Mary {brightly) : Did you give the papers to Hans, as I ad- 
vised you to do? 

Ethel: Mary, will you tell me first, what — was the trouble 
between you and Hans? 


THE TEST 


85 


Mary: No trouble. Why should you think there was? Did 
Hans say so? Do you know what we talked about? 

Ethel: No, I do not, — That’s why I ask. 

Mary : It’s most peculiar that friends should be so influenced 
by hearsay. 

Ethel: I know that you had an argument with him, and I 
cannot understand what reasons you could have for 
hiding what I shall know as soon as Hans returns. Why 
not tell me now, Mary? 

Mary: If you insist, I will, my dear Ethel. We simply con- 
sidered how to dispose of the object in question in the 
most convenient and speedy way without injuring any- 
body concerned, that’s all. 

Ethel: How could that lead you to a violent discussion? 

Mary: I can really not recall any violence in our conversa- 
tion. I even offered to go to town for him to mail the 
envelope in case he should not feel safe in doing so. That 
does not give occasion for violence on either side, does it? 

Ethel: You offered to mail it for Hans? 

Mary: Surely. 

Ethel: That means, Hans told you he was in possession of 
it, does it? 

Mary: Certainly. 

Ethel: But if you were so friendly, what was the reason for 
arguing? 

Mary: I assure you there was no argument. — Go on — 
( jokingly ) Ethel, perhaps you have been thinking of our 
puppy love of ten years ago? Aren’t you, perhaps, a 
little bit jealous, Ethel? Ten years ago! 

Ethel: Please do not attempt to carry this question into 
the sphere of the ridiculous. I asked you seriously, I 
expect a serious answer. 

Mary: I answered as best I could, my child. You may ask 
Hans who will certainly corroborate what I said. 


THE TEST 


Ethel: I am asking you . I feel that there is something you 
are anxious to hide. 

Mary: You are seeing ghosts. Wait till Hans comes, and 
you will find that I told the truth. 

Ethel: Mary, why did you go into Hans’s cottage? 

Mary: Did I go there? ( Readily ) Yes, that is so. Why? — 
Merely to inspect it, — to kill time while you had aban- 
doned me. 

Ethel: You are taking advantage of Hans’s absence. There 
is another reason; something I should know. You are 
not — frank ! 

Mary : Well — and you are not very complimentary. I ad- 
vise you to conquer your jealousy and not try to investi- 
gate any further. It’s useless. 

Ethel: It’s useless because you are determined to be silent, 
not because — 

Mary: You are childish, Ethel; you are very childish. 

Ethel: You are hiding something that cannot bear the light! 

Mary ( changing her tone) : If you wish to harm yourself un- 
necessarily — all right. I was bent upon saving you 
from this affair. As you force me to enlighten you, I 
cannot prevent the consequences. First answer some 
questions which will allow me to see things more clearly. 
When — 

Ethel: What right have you to ask after refusing to answer 
me? 

Mary: Unless you answer you may never know. 

Ethel: Do you mean to say that Hans would keep silent 
with me? 

Mary: Exactly. 

Ethel: You — you are utterly depraved. You have 
brought falsehood and mischief into this house! 

Mary: Stop! You speak without knowing what you are 
saying. You don’t know — why I am here — and — 


THE TEST 


87 


whatever there is between Hans and me — is kept se- 
cret not for my, but for your own sake. 

( A suspicion slowly arises in Ethel.) 

Mary: Yes, it is the very thing you suspect. 

Ethel: And that you demanded of Hans? 

Mary: I did. 

Ethel: And you are here and speak to me? And you are 
my guest and my friend, and now — you come to me for 
my father’s property? 

Mary : Yes, and you will yield — my dear child. 

Ethel: Am — I — ( furiously pointing to the door) Go! — 
You go! 

Mary : In one moment you will ask me to stay. 

Ethel ( louder ) : Instantly you go — or — 

Mary: And our secret? 

Ethel: I don’t care what becomes of it. You — 

Mary {lower ) : And Hans’s past, do you want your father to 
know that? ( Ethel stares at Mary stupefied . John brings 
a letter for Mary.) 

John: A letter for you, Madam. ( Exit John.) 

Mary {calmly): I begged you not to insist. I intended to 
keep this from you. You would know. You forced me 
to tell you and that is not my fault. 

Aunt Jennie {softly): Ethel, your father is here; you 
wanted to see him. 

Ethel {soundlessly) : Yes, Auntie. 

Aunt Jennie: He will be here presently. 

Mary: Mr. Wagner has not come, has he? 

Aunt Jennie: No, he has not. {She looks curiously at Ethel 
and goes back into the drawing room.) 

Mary {after a pause) : Now — my friend, — whom — will — 
you — see — first? 

{Ethel mechanically turns to the door. Mary follows. 
Walker comes from the hall ; John behind him.) 


88 


THE TEST 


Walker: His things are still in the cottage, you say, and he 
hasn’t returned? 

John: No, Sir. 

Walker: Anything else? 

John: Mr. Kohler’s man wished to report. 

Walker: And he left? 

John: Yes, Sir, — but — 

Walker: Then call my daughter. 

John: But Mr. Kohler is waiting outside, Sir. 

Walker: Show him in first. 

John: Yes, Sir. 

(Exit John. After a moment Kohler enters from the terrace 
room. He moves and speaks quickly.) 

Kohler: Hello, Walker. I haven’t seen you for a long time. 
( They shake hands ) Where are you keeping yourself? 

Walker: Kohler, old fellow, be seated. I’m buried in busi- 
ness. 

Kohler: Like myself. Let’s hope we won’t be stifled in it. 
Now then, Walker, I’m in a bit of a hurry — your case — 
yes — I — I remember — you called at my office this 
morning — so Jones informed me, — in regard to Mr. — 
Mr.— 

Walker: Wagner. 

Kohler: Yes, Wagner. That’s it. I’m sorry I have an- 
other affair which we must look after; but first, let 
me see, — let us settle Wagner. You will have to — 

Walker: Tell me, Kohler, what will be the course of pro- 
cedure after his arrest. 

Kohler: That, of course, depends entirely upon the de- 
velopments of the next few hours. If all goes well, he 
will be arrested and, if found guilty, given five to ten 
years in prison for theft. If the invasion is true — and 
it looks bad to me — then — he will not be arrested — 
he will simply be taken away, and nobody will see him 


THE TEST 


89 


before the end of the war — if then. No matter whether 
he is guilty or not. 

Walker: What do you mean? 

Kohler: Mobs are dangerous things, and for aliens the 
Habeas Corpus Act is not applicable if a state of war 
exists. 

Walker: But he is a citizen. 

Kohler: That changes matters. Then you need, at any 
rate, a search warrant. Here is a blank; fill it out and 
sign your name; if he should be the man you want, he’ll 
be court-martialed very quickly, if those fellows in the 
South move much further. Here, hurry, Walker! 
There isn’t much time. — Here’s a pen; sign. 

Walker ( after some hesitation , puts down the pen) : This is 
a search warrant, you say? My word is not sufficient? 

Kohler: Not, since he is a citizen. This warrant enables 
you to search thoroughly. It grants access to the sus- 
pect’s possessions, and will most likely establish your 
proof, if there is any. — Why do you hesitate? — If you 
are honestly convinced that Wagner is a danger to the 
country at a moment when a foreign enemy is about to 
invade us, — then it is your duty to make him harmless 
and to sign the warrant. 

Walker: H-m. (He nods , takes the pen again and signs 
quickly.) 

Kohler: So, that finishes this one; ( takes the warrant) and 
now for the other case. Jones informed you last night 
that there were two letters which gave a justification 
of your suspicion? (Seeking among his papers.) 

Walker: Yes. 

Kohler: Here they are. The writer of these letters is 
wanted. 

Walker (reading) : What? Will you read this name for me? 

Kohler (reading) : Mary Kruger. 


90 


THE TEST 


Walker ( wrought up) : My daughter’s friend who is visiting 
us now? 

Kohler: Unfortunately, yes. (Showing a photograph) Is that 
she? 

Walker: What — what of her? 

Kohler: She came to this country several weeks ago and 
was suspected, for some reason or other, by New York 
officials. These two letters, written in a New York hotel, 
were confiscated. They were addressed to Wagner and 
your daughter; Jones notified you of the discovery. 

Walker: Why did you keep the writer’s name from me? 

Kohler: Because we wanted her here first. 

Walker: And why did you leave her in my house over 
night. 

Kohler: Because she covered her track very well. We only 
discovered her whereabouts this afternoon. Besides we 
received data on her case, and orders from Washington 
for a general round-up only an hour ago. 

Walker: Then hurry, lose no time; it may be too late. 
(Rings) Where is John? Come, Kohler, (Calling) John! 

Kohler (following Walker ): Don’t worry! The house is 
rounded. There is no chance for her even — (they go into 
the terrace room , empty stage for a moment; voices and 
whistle signals outside; sounds of hasty steps in gravel; 
then silence.) 

(Ethel and Hans come from drawing room. Hans's hair is 
somewhat disordered. He is in a frenzy of excitement; he 
leads Ethel to a chair. Ethel speaks with subdued intensity.) 

Hans (listening): I don’t know what it can have been — 
Ethel, listen to me, — be fair; could I do any more than 
attempt to defend myself in her presence? 

Ethel: Hans, you must tell me. 

Hans: Why did she refuse? Why didn’t she speak while I 
was there? 


THE TEST 


91 


Ethel: Hans, Hans, why should we torment each other 
when everything seems combined against us. Speak 
frankly ! 

Hans: She came to you, and — 

Ethel: And offered her silence toward father — about your 
past — for my stealing father’s process. 

Hans: Give me time, Ethel, give me time; — we must first — 

Ethel: I have believed in you as firmly as woman ever be- 
lieved in man; and now, in all this turmoil of anxiety, a 
strange person can come between us to threaten me 
with exposing you — to my father. Tell me, Hans, I am 
to know; I am to judge. 

Hans: Give me time, Ethel, I implore you. I swear that I 
will justify myself in the presence of you and your father. 
Appearances are against me, I know. — Call her now, 
Ethel; call your father, instantly; then I will speak and 
be cursed if I do not tell the whole truth, if I deviate by 
one word from the truth about my past; — and then if 
you must condemn me, — I will take your — (after a 
moment of intense emotion) Ethel, — let us think before 
they come — I — I — mailed it; — 

Ethel: You did? 

Hans: It went at eleven and must be there; now it must be 
there. 

Ethel: It’s all useless, Hans, it’s finished. 

Hans: Don’t say that, Ethel. 

Ethel: Do you know who is here? 

Hans: No, who? 

Ethel: Kohler, the Federal District Attorney. 

Hans: What should he want of me — I will go with him; — 
don’t weep, Ethel! — 

Ethel: There is one hope; — one hope only; — I — I saw 
Hunter. 

Hans: You — Hunter? 


92 


THE TEST 


Ethel: Yes, — I told him, he knows. When I came to the 
village, newsboys called out their extras : Invasion, cen- 
sored mail! I hurried to the office to try the last resort, 
to speak to Hunter. He was out; I left word for him to 
call here; he did; I explained the whole matter to him. 
He will — 

Hans ( hopelessly ) : Now — this is the end — 

Ethel: No, no. He faithfully promised to do his best — to 
help us — and he will, Hans, he will — 

Hans: Now — it is — 

Ethel: No, he will do anything in his power. You are un- 
just to him; he will — 

Hans {drying his forehead): No, this is his chance; he will 
grasp it; — but I — I’m proud, Ethel, and glad to go 
for you — 

Ethel: No, Hans, you will not. I could never again count 
myself amongst decent women — nor look into my 
father’s eyes; I must pay my penalty. I will go {moving 
toward the door) and — 

Hans: No! Ethel, no! You shan’t! 

{Exit Ethel into the drawing room.) 

Aunt Jennie {rushing from the terrace room) : Has anything 
like this ever happened before? She has gone; gone, 
Hans. Mary disappeared without leaving a trace. — 
Mr. Kohler is here. What do you think of — 

{Exit into the dining room.) 
{Hans is struck , a flash of hope enlightens his features; 
he quickly goes after Ethel into the drawing room.) 

{Enter Walker, Kohler and John from the terrace room.) 

Walker: It is certainly the most daring case and the most 
insolent espionage that has come under my notice. 
When did that letter arrive you spoke of, John? 

John: Half an hour ago; by special messenger, Sir. 

Walker: And when was she seen last? 


THE TEST 


93 


John : The gardener saw her driving down Hampton Road at 
high speed twenty minutes ago, Sir. ( Exit John.) 

Kohler: The letter was a warning, no doubt, but it won’t 
help her. 

Walker: Did you notify your men? 

Kohler: No need of that. Hampton Road leads directly 
into Bay City, and she will never get out of there. All 
precautions were taken. Well then — Walker — I’m 
satisfied. She will be caught away from your home; it 
avoids unnecessary trouble, and that finishes my un- 
pleasant visit in your house. (He offers his hand.) 

Walker: What will happen to her? 

Kohler (shrugging his shoulders) : Her hours are numbered. 

Walker: H-m. — Kohler, tell me, what is your impression 
of the case against Wagner? 

Kohler: I am, in my office, not allowed to express personal 
opinions, as you know. 

Walker: Tell me candidly, would you act as I did in a 
similar case? 

Kohler: I don’t know. I don’t know the young man. You 
are intimately acquainted with him; you know what you 
are about. 

Walker: Does it often happen that men are victims of cir- 
cumstances, in similar cases. 

Kohler: I have handled hundreds of similar cases within 
the last few months of which some, at any rate, have 
lacked any real foundation. 

Walker: Do not the attendant circumstances seem convinc- 
ing to you? 

Kohler: If circumstances are ever convincing, — yes. 

Walker: Drop your reserve, Kohler, I should think you 
might speak frankly to an old friend. 

Kohler: Yes, and no. I have given up expressing opinions. 
I do my duty, nothing more. 


94 


THE TEST 


Walker: You are curt, indeed, Kohler. 

Kohler: That makes for success. — Well — {offers his hand 
again ) . 

Walker: Why do you refuse your advice? 

Kohler: Do you know how to spell my name? — With 
“ K.” — Doesn’t that explain itself? I am an American 
with a German name; if I should add to that remarks 
permitting in the least degree a doubtful interpretation 
— I might lose my job, and I have a wife and children 
at home. Isn’t that clear to you? 

Walker: Not at all. 

Kohler: You are a hyphen, aren’t you? 

Walker: I beg your pardon! 

Kohler: You are, without being conscious of it, the moment 
your sympathies are for one of the belligerents or the 
other; — and your sympathies are somewhere, if you 
are capable of having any at all. You admit that, don’t 
you? 

Walker: Well? 

Kohler: Undiluted Americanism is a product of the future. 
May it come soon! At present it is natural that we 
should take sides; that’s human and humane. Your 
forefathers came from England, — you are a Hyphen; 
mine came from Germany; — I’m a Hyphen, and there- 
fore I — must be careful about my opinions. I refuse 
my advice as a matter of principle, since I was accused, 
only a few weeks ago, of being pro-German. — Walker, 
if there is one hundred per cent. Americanism possible in 
any man, I claim to have that one hundred per cent. 
Sometime I’m going to prove my statement. A chance 
to do that is near. It is near for all those whose patriotic 
sincerity has been doubted. 

Walker: Are you insinuating that Wagner should be given 
that chance? 


THE TEST 


95 


Kohler: By no means. You can see how easily misunder- 
standings come about. On the contrary, I hope 
your man will be severely punished if he is guilty. 
There is nothing left but to place him in the hands of the 
law, for you have pronounced him a danger to the coun- 
try, and — if we want to conquer our enemies, we must 
hope for the death of those enemies in our midst. 

(Enter John from the dining room.) 

John: Mr. Hunter, Sir. 

Walker: — Hunter? — 

John: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: Show him in. ( Exit John.) My manager at this 
time? (At the door expectantly) — Strange! 

Hunter (coming briskly from the hall , to Walker in a low 
voice) : I — I found it, Sir. 

Walker (stands aghast) : — You — 

Hunter: Yes, the key, — I have it. 

Walker: When? — How? 

Hunter: Just now. 

Walker: Where? 

Hunter (alluding to Kohler) : I will explain — 

Walker: Did you hear, Kohler? It is here. (Hunter hands 
some papers to Walker.) Here! It is incredible! Inex- 
plicable! Have you ever heard of such an experience 
before? 

Kohler: Many a time, Walker. In my calling strange 
things are exceedingly common. I’m not surprised. — 
Do you want this? (Holding out the warrant to him.) 

Walker: I — I don’t know. — No, you may keep it — till 
I have — 

Kohler: As you w T ish. I have to hurry (shakes hands with 
Walker). You may call me up tonight. I hope, Walker, 
something more pleasant will be the cause of my next 
call. 


96 


THE TEST 


( Walker nods absent-mindedly. Kohler hurriedly leaves 
through the terrace room. A moment of silence; Walker 
goes up and down , thinking deeply. He finally stops short 
before Hunter and asks slowly) : Found it? 

Hunter (without looking at Walker) : Yes. 

Walker: In my office? 

Hunter: No, in mine. 

Walker: Where, in what part? 

Hunter: In the lowest left drawer of my desk among some 
specifications of orders from France, those for 

Walker: There? 

Hunter: Yes. — There was a complaint on one of the ship- 
ments, and looking up the details of the case, I found it 
— yes. 

Walker: — Why — 

Hunter: It seemed very peculiar to me, but — it is so. — 
(Pause) It is quite possible that in looking over these 
specifications and after comparing them for analysis 
with the formula, you left it — there. 

Walker: May I ask you, Sir, in whose presence you found 
it? 

Hunter (bristling up): Do you need a corroboration of my 
statements, Mr. Walker. 

Walker: H-m. 

Hunter: Haven’t I been in your service for fifteen years? 
Have you not left me in charge of your entire factory, 
always, and now, Mr. Walker, you are asking me to 
prove my statement by — by my office boy? 

Walker: H-m. It was not meant that way, Hunter, sit 
down. 

Hunter: I must hurry. I left everything to bring this. I 
have to — 

Walker: Be seated, Hunter. 

Hunter (avoiding) : Thank you, Sir, I must go. By the way, 


THE TEST 


97 


have you provided for Mr. Wagner’s substitute? It’s 
urgent; his work is piling up. You should — 

Walker ( overhearing ): Hunter, answer this: Have you ever 
found me mistaken on any detail during the fifteen years 
we have worked together? 

Hunter: No. 

Walker: And do you believe it possible that my whole 
theory of this affair was based upon lack of memory on 
my part? 

Hunter ( uneasy ) : I — do. 

Walker: Hunter, was it not you, who — when I discovered 
the theft — strengthened my suspicion of Wagner — 
who said that there was no doubt whatever in your 
judgment? 

Hunter: Yes. — But — what of it? — I was mistaken. 

Walker: I am absolutely positive, Hunter, that these 
papers were on the desk in my den upstairs a week ago, 
and that they were taken from there. How do you ex- 
plain that? 

Hunter: I cannot explain it, Sir. I am not attempting to 
explain it. I only know what I told you, and that settles 
the question as far as I am concerned. 

Walker: You have not seen Mr. Wagner today, have you 
by chance? 

Hunter ( looking at him squarely ) : No, Sir. 

Walker: You haven’t. When did you leave your office for 
luncheon? 

Hunter: From 1 to 2.30. 

Walker: You are certain that nobody entered your office 
meanwhile? 

Hunter: I think nobody did, except the office boy or my 
secretary. 

Walker: And the drawer you refer to was firmly locked? 

Hunter: Yes, positively; and nobody has a key to it, except 
myself. 


98 


THE TEST 


Walker: Who is your secretary? 

Hunter: Thomson, junior, the son of our chief chemist. 

Walker: Have you ever seen Thomson with Wagner? 

Hunter: No. 

Walker: With my daughter? 

Hunter: No, Sir, never. 

Walker: You cannot suggest any solution but an error on 
my part then? 

Hunter: No, Sir, none whatever. 

Walker: You have not seen my daughter today, Hunter? 

Hunter: — Yes. 

Walker: When, may I ask.? 

Hunter: Just now, when I came in. 

Walker: You informed her of your discovery. 

Hunter: No, she was not alone. 

Walker: H-m. — h-m. ( Walks to the window. Pause.) 

Hunter ( toward the door) : Good night, Sir. — 

Walker ( turning ) : Hunter, we have always discussed mat- 
ters of importance; tell me, Hunter, what would you do 
now in my place, — as a father and a man — who may 
have wronged one whom he once esteemed very highly? 

Hunter: May have? Who has, Sir. I would do what is 
right. 

( Hunter and Walker listen to a noise which increases as 
though caused by thousands of voices and whistles.) 

Walker: What is that? ( The phone rings ; Walker answers.) 
Yes, — this is he — you have? Thank you. (To Hunter) 
We were right, Hunter, it is true; the country is in- 
vaded. Kohler’s office has sent a detachment of fifty 
men to the factory. The frequency of rumors lulled 
them to sleep. Now it is true. 

Hunter : That means hell ! ( Busily ) Any special orders, Sir ! 

Walker: Take your measures, those we agreed upon 
for this emergency. We, at last, are not unprepared. 


THE TEST 


Telegraph to stop loading in New York harbor. Stop all 
cars on the way to the East. Now it means America! 
Not an ounce of our product shall leave my factory for 
Europe after this minute. 

Hunter: And shift our cars for the South? 

Walker: As far as it will be possible in the turmoil prevail- 
ing now, yes. 

Hunter: Would you send Graham too? He is not married, 
but has his mother dependent upon him. 

Walker: Certainly we shall send him. We will take care of 
his mother. We need every man for the defense of the 
country. 

( Enter Hans. He is surprised to see Hunter who , unnoticed 
by Walker , quickly puts his fingers to his lips. Hans pays 
no attention to him.) 

Hunter: Is that all, Sir? 

Walker: Yes. I will join you soon. 

Hunter: Good night, Sir. {He tries again to catch Hans's 
eyes , but vainly. Exit.) 

Walker: Till later! 

( Walker looks at Hans who seems determined and calm.) 

Hans: I — I want a few words with you, Sir. I have re- 
solved to leave you, and came to clear the situation that 
has developed between us. 

Walker: Yes? 

Hans : I will not stay with you much longer — and do not 
know exactly when I shall be at liberty to return; there- 
fore I think it advisable — to settle our affairs, as far as 
that is possible — 

Walker: You are leaving? 

Hans: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: Well, what are you leaving for? 

Hans: That question, Sir, is characteristic of your attitude 
toward me ever since last August. — I will answer it by 


100 


THE TEST 


a question: Where would you be going, if you were of 
my age, after the message we just received? 

(Pause.) 

Walker: — Be seated. 

Hans: Let me first ask you, Sir, why did you suspect me? 

Walker (giving him Mary's letters ): I suppose you don’t 
know about these. They were my principal clue. They 
were confiscated by the censor as written by a suspect 
to you — and 

Hans : Aren’t thousands of Americans constantly in touch — 
involuntarily, of course, with suspects; is that a reason, 
Sir? 

Walker: It was, indeed, since the discovery of the loss coin- 
cided with the arrival of these letters, and since you were 
the only one in my house who would have reason — to 
take them. 

Hans (aroused) : Did you say it — was — Sir. 

Walker: Yes. 

Hans: The papers were — found, then? 

Walker: They were. 

Hans (in suspense ): You admit then that your accusation 
was — completely unfounded? 

Walker: Yes, — I must admit that — 

Hans : And will you please take back — your — 

Walker: — I will; call my daughter. 

Hans: A moment, Sir; since we are both Americans now, 
since we have freed ourselves from our natural leaning 
toward European countries to which we are bound by 
blood or taste, — will you answer a question for me? 

Walker: If I can, yes. 

Hans: Was not your suspicion the inevitable result of our 
hyphenism much more than of a circumstantial evi- 
dence you believed yourself to have? 

Walker: It may be — that there was hyphenism to some 


THE TEST 


101 


degree, but that will no longer exist after a victory has 
been fought and won by all hyphens of America against 
our enemy. 

Hans : And now, Sir, (he rings the hell) having concluded this 
matter, I must relate to you and your daughter an event 
in my life that you are entitled to know of. — I am sorry 
to darken this hour of parting, — but — I must not 
leave, without having cleared your mind — and my 
own — from all that has been in the past. 

Walker: What does that mean? 

Hans: It means that nothing shall stand between you and 
Ethel and me after I have left you. 

(Enter Ethel; she has forced herself to a grave calmness; 
evidently re-assured by Hunter , she nods to her father , who 
slightly bows his head and points to a chair. Intense ex- 
pectation in both Walker and Ethel.) 

Hans (somewhat embarrassed at first) : I have alluded to 
the story I am about to relate. I ask your pa- 
tience and your pardon for delaying this hour. I will 
begin with repeating what you know — that Mary 
Kruger was a spy, and add that she attempted to force 
me to steal and deliver to her the key to your secret 
process. 

Walker: Force you? How could she? 

Hans: That is my story. 

Walker (searchingly) : Before her arrival, did you know 
why she was coming? 

Hans: No, Sir. She informed me of her purpose this morn- 
ing. She threatened to expose me and based her coer- 
sion on an occurrence dating back ten years. I was a 
student in Koenigsberg — and gambled once, as many 
students do. I assure you that I have never touched a 
card since the day I lost one thousand marks; it was 
the first and the last time. — It is an unwritten law in 


102 


THE TEST 


Germany — among students and officers, that all debts 
contracted by gambling must be paid within forty-eight 
hours and never a moment later. He who fails is ineligi- 
ble to good society — is excluded from all circles that 
were once open to him. I had lost one thousand marks; 
I had to raise this sum at any price, at every risk. I 
tried among my friends, in vain. I called upon every 
man of influence in town, without success; I sold every 
book, everything of value I owned, but hardly raised 
one-tenth of the money needed. — I saw that my efforts 
would lead to nothing and made up my mind to go 
home, to confess to my father. — When I arrived my 
father was not there; he was not expected back before the 
end of the week. I called on my uncle who, finally, 
promised to procure the sum for me in time. — He didn’t; 
something came up; — I don’t know what; at any rate 
he left me where I started. — Only a few hours were left 
to make good. I saw a last chance and I took it. I 
found one of my father’s cheque books — forged his 
name — and sent it. At the same time I left a letter for 
him, explaining in detail the motives of my action, 
pleading for his pardon and promising not to gamble 
again. Then I went to my mother to take leave and I 
discovered — that I could not look into her eyes — I 
realized what I had done; and that I couldn’t leave 
without meeting father face to face to tell him. I could 
not help confessing to mother, though I would have 
liked to keep this grief from her. She was heart-broken, 
knowing as she did what would follow. The days I 
waited for my father, I passed in a stupor, wavering be- 
tween hope and despair, for father was one of those who 
admire enthusiastically and condemn pitilessly. The 
nearer the day of his arrival came, the more I was con- 
vinced that I had lost everything — lost the chance to 


THE TEST 


103 


stay in my native country. — So it was. Father had 
nothing to say. He pointed to the door, turning his 
back to me without a single word. The next day I took 
leave of everything and everybody — to begin life anew. 
— Many young fellow r s have done what I did; only they 
were forgiven — not thrown out. Meanwhile I have paid 
back to my father by the toil of my hands, thereby set- 
tling at least the financial side of the matter. I did not 
expect to escape without penalty, — and I did not 
expect, — what followed. — I have no excuse to offer, 
I signed this cheque, though under the pressure of cir- 
cumstances, as I hope I have shown. 

Walker (rising): You say that you refunded the money? 

Hans: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: And you signed this cheque, fully convinced that 
your father would accept your apology? 

Hans: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: What would have been the consequences of your 
failure to pay in time? 

Hans: The loss of my honor. 

Walker: And the other case would have brought the same 
loss? 

Hans: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: There was no alternative, then? 

Hans: No, Sir. 

Walker: And your offence consists in gambling and its 
consequences — that of not being able to pay in time? 

Hans: Yes, Sir. 

Walker: Well — (walking up and down) As for your cheque 
I cannot approve as a matter of principle. As for your 
having gambled, I can pardon it, as an offence com- 
mitted by a young student. — H’-m. — If the law 
you mentioned were in force in our country, there would 
be a great many young men ruined before their start in 


104 


THE TEST 


life; before having been able to show whether or not they 
were able to make up, in later life, for such faults of their 
boyhood. 

Hans: As a father, then, you would have given me an op- 
portunity? 

Walker: Certainly. 

Hans: And society would not have rejected me? 

Walker: No, indeed. 

Hans: — This absence of sweeping condemnation; this big- 
heartedness in judging human things humanly is one of 
the many reasons for which I love America. I do not 
wish to reflect upon my old home by this praise, for 
nations, like individuals, have their virtues and short- 
comings. 

Walker: And now — ( looking at his watch) let us briefly 
close ( taking out the papers) this incident. ( Closely ob- 
serving both) I will ask two questions; answer as you see 
fit; answer not at all if you choose. ( Ethel becomes very 
nervous .) (To Hans) Do you know anything of the con- 
tents of this envelope? I mean, do you know my process 
of manufacturing Neo-Dynamite? 

Hans: No, Sir. 

Walker (to Ethel) : And — Ethel — did you ever come in 
contact with, did you ever touch or see this envelope or 
its contents before? 

Ethel (looking down , after a pause) : — I — I can swear — 
with a good conscience, that I never had — any desire — 
to see or touch it. 

Walker (he walks to the door of the terrace room ; nods gravely ; 
then , more to himself) : That — settles it. 

Ethel (rushing toward him): Father! 

Walker (takes Ethel's head between his hands , looks into her 
eyes , and , slowly stroking her hair , says thoughtfully): I 
— know — my — daughter. — 

(Pause.) 


THE TEST 


105 


And you, Hans, you who are now leaving us — to do 
your duty, as every American boy will, — let us hope — 
that one good may come to us from this struggle for a 
common cause — the unification of all interests, — into 
one — solid — great — America! ( Shaking his hand) My 
boy, — Good luck! 

Hans (■ pressing his hand) : — Father, — 

( Walker , barely showing his emotions for a moment , quick- 
ly leaves through the drawing room door.) 

Ethel (in Hans’s arms): Hans! 

Hans: Thank — heaven, — Ethel, — it is all over, we are 
free! ( Closing his eyes and stretching out his free arm) 
Ethel, — I’m happy, — the clouds have passed; we can 
look into the land of the future — of happiness — Ethel, 
— my Ethel, it is all — over! 

Ethel ( sobbing ) : Hans, — again — you are truthful. It is 
all over, Hans, — Hans, for — you — will never — 
return ! 


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